[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act 2023, which was enacted by parliament last week, gives the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) the authority to penalise businesses that violate environmental rules.
To prevent unlawful operations in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), the board needs the biological variety and legislative or legal framework.
The measure, according to IWMB chairperson Rina Saeed Khan, is a gift to the twin cities. She praised former Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman for raising awareness of the issue and expediting legislation.
Senator Rehman stated on Twitter that the bill will protect MHNP, which is under constant development pressure. This act would safeguard nature and biodiversity in Islamabad in accordance with global biodiversity best practices.
Also Read: Senate Committee Halts Margalla Road Construction
According to Rina S. Khan, the law allows the IWMB to collect fines and levies as well as enforce national park and animal limitations, as is the case in all provinces, including AJK.
It also established a clear project approval process in the MHNP and buffer zone, as well as harsh penalties for violators, particularly pet owners of endangered and exotic species.
Project Alexander Road
The new legislation was drafted shortly after the Senate Committee ordered Islamabad’s civic agency to halt building on Alexander Road, which runs from Shah Allah Ditta to Haripur and connects the Margalla Hills National Park.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) began the project without conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), according to Chairwoman IWMB.
Later, the chairwoman cited orders of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) barring development in conserved zones. She claimed that the CDA is constructing the route for real estate rather than for local people and tourism.
CDA authorities stated that work on an existing route in the national park had begun. In response to concerns about the golf course, CDA officials stated that the 138-acre tract was part of the Chauntra community, not the national park.
With the IWMB and CDA constantly at odds, the fate of Alexander Road appears to be in doubt.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
