The Capital Development Authority on Tuesday took action against alleged illegal encroachment on reserved forest land in Islamabad’s Bhara Kahu area, immediately stopping development activities after reports of tree cutting emerged.
According to the CDA, its environment wing responded swiftly after receiving information that trees were being chopped in Reserved Forest-8 located in Bhara Kahu, an area protected under longstanding forest records.
During the inspection, officials found that private developers had cleared and levelled more than 10 kanals of forest land after cutting dozens of trees and damaging natural vegetation across the site.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said machinery used for the illegal activity was confiscated, and a fine of Rs7 million was imposed for cutting around 40 trees and over 100 shrubs.
He said the operation was halted immediately, and a case has been filed before the CDA magistrate for recovery of the fine and further legal action.
An FIR has also been registered at Bhara Kahu police station, while CDA officials stressed that forest records dating back to 1902 and 1935 clearly classify the land as RF-8.
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