Islamabad, Dec 6: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been ordered by the Supreme Court to provide a thorough report on the more than 100 unlawful hotels, eateries, and kiosks that are still open in Margalla Hills National Park.
It was revealed during the hearing that over 134 unlawful establishments still exist in the park in spite of previous court orders for their removal. The court expressed worries about ongoing infractions and chastised the CDA for not enforcing its previous orders.
Hills of Margalla
The CDA’s failure to remove unauthorized constructions, especially in the Monal restaurant area, was questioned by the court. These illegal buildings, such as kiosks, are causing environmental damage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Director General.
Justice Jameel Mandokhel asked if the court’s earlier rulings extended only to Monal or to other unlawful projects in the park. The serious environmental effects on the park, particularly on its endangered animals, were brought to light by Justice Musarat Hilali.
The court, presided over by Justice Aminuddin Khan, reaffirmed Margalla Hills’ status as a protected area and ruled that all construction within the park is unlawful. As the hearing goes on, the CDA has been given a deadline to submit an updated report.
