Because of its breathtaking scenery and good weather, the Margalla Hills National Park attracts a huge number of visitors during the monsoon season. The park, which is abundant in flora and fauna, exemplifies the capital city’s green character, which separates it from other world capitals. The park covers 31,142 acres and is home to over 600 plant species, 250 bird species, 38 mammals, and 13 reptile species.
According to a senior official with the Capital Development Authority’s Environment Wing, the capital’s civic agency recently launched a comprehensive campaign to clean up Margalla Hills National Park in partnership with civil society, students, and environmentalists. The park occupies a total of 31,142 acres.
The CDA will retain oversight of the protected Margalla Hills National Park, which stretches throughout the country, and will not be devolved to the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, he added. He mentioned that the civic body’s Environment Protection Cell will continue to oversee the park’s affairs.
Return of the Unique Species to Margalla Hills:
The emergence of three more wildlife species, including the golden jackal, Indian porcupine, and tiny civet cat, was discovered using devices mounted in Margalla. In addition, some hikers reported seeing rare species in Margalla.
Infrared rays are released by these camera trapping systems mounted by the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) during the night, which do not alarm the animals but have clear video.
Apart from increased human intervention, the depletion of natural ecosystems was also one of the major factors that caused wildlife species to migrate from the Margalla Hills.
Villagers in the vicinity of MHNP gather wood to satisfy their fuel requirements. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stoves are located in just a few homes in the villages. Even these households, however, bake bread or roti in tandoors, which use a lot of wood. Wood is stolen and transported on camelback to nearby villages and poultry farms for heating, particularly during the winter.
Illegal urban encroachments, poaching, and tree chopping, according to records, are the main threats on the park’s fragile environment, which is also home to a number of threatened species. Unfortunately, because of its location, the Margalla Hills have become more of a leisure centre for Islamabad residents than a secluded, safe park.
The Margalla Hills’ strategic position also ensures that exceptional monitoring measures are in operation, adding to the ecosystem’s tension.
“Leopards are nocturnal creatures, and the park belongs to the wildlife at night – people should not be using the trails at night,” an IWMB official said.
He said that at MHNP, they have seen roughly 30% more wildlife species, and that their population is growing at a faster rate.
Authorities in Action:
According to the information, CDA and IWMB officials will draught plans for collaborative efforts that will be addressed at a meeting in the coming weeks. The authorities are taking action to boost Margalla’s appearance. Margalla is home to endangered animals, so it’s important to pay attention to them. In addition, the authorities are doing their best to keep the Margalla hills clean because environmental initiatives are needed. With too much to see and do, Margalla Hills is a must-see for both locals and tourists. On a day trip from Islamabad, this should be your next stop.
Margalla Hills are the most attractive point for the people to visit. People all across the Pakistan come here to rejoice. Unfortunately, the restaurants and hotels choice in Margalla Hills is limited. People do not have enough options other than Monal and La Montana to eat and enjoy. But, new projects are coming to Margalla Hills and they will be based on the International Standard of Luxury.
