Islamabad:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has retrieved 320 kanals of land by removing illegal settlements in encroachments in National Park area.
According to the CDA Enforcement Directorate, the National Park area is of vital importance for maintaining the environmental balance of the capital, protecting natural water reservoirs, ensuring the survival of wildlife and reducing urban pollution.
However, in recent years, illegal settlements and encroachments in this sensitive area not only damaged the ecosystem but also created a situation contrary to national interests. In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and directions of Chairman CDA, the CDA Enforcement with the support of the planning wing, district administration and Islamabad Police, initiated a phased operation in Saidpur and adjoining areas, the CDA spokesman said.
Consequently, some large-scale anti-encroachment operations have been successfully carried out against the land mafia in Saidpur area to ensure the protection of Islamabad’s important natural heritage, the National Park and to preserve its natural beauty.
During these operations, the original boundaries of the National Park were identified through modern satellite geo-mapping and digital maps and illegal encroachments were removed.
In the first phase, the original demarcation of the park, estate land and encroached areas was clearly identified using satellite geo-mapping by the Planning Wing.
As a result, 320 kanals of land was reclaimed from illegal occupation. The reclaimed land will be utilized during the upcoming spring season for large-scale tree plantation and environmental restoration projects.
It is noteworthy that the operation is the first major anti-encroachment campaign in the National Park area in the last ten years. Strict procedures were followed during the operation to ensure transparency and accountability.
In this regard, a formal inquiry has also been initiated against two CDA officials and one police official on suspicion of facilitating illegal encroachments so that responsibility can be fixed and such incidents can be prevented in the future.
An official of the Environment Wing said that these operations conducted through satellite geo-mapping are a model initiative for the protection of the National Park. He added that in the next phases, actions against remaining encroachments within the park boundaries will continue in a consistent manner.
