A major fire recently broke out in the Margalla Hills National Park, once again highlighting the growing environmental threats faced by Pakistan’s natural reserves. The fire, which began earlier this week, quickly spread across several kilometers of forested area, fueled by intense heat, dry weather, and strong winds.
Authorities from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) confirmed that over 150 firefighters, forest officials, and volunteers were mobilized to contain the flames. After several hours of coordinated effort, the fire was largely brought under control, but not before it caused significant ecological damage.
Possible Causes: Human Negligence Suspected
According to Irfan Niazi, the Director General of the CDA, the fire was almost certainly caused by human activity. “There is no species of plant or tree in these forests that can spontaneously combust,” he stated in a press briefing. “This was either an act of negligence or intentional sabotage.”
In line with these suspicions, law enforcement agencies have arrested at least three individuals suspected of deliberately starting the fire. Investigations are still underway to determine their motives, though early reports suggest a mix of carelessness and possible land-clearing activity for illegal development may be behind the incident.
Over the years, such fires have become alarmingly frequent in the Margalla Hills region, especially during the summer months. The combination of rising temperatures, low humidity, and increased foot traffic from hikers and tourists contributes to the area’s growing vulnerability.
Environmental and Biodiversity Impact
The Margalla Hills are part of the Himalayan foothills and form a crucial part of the ecosystem surrounding Islamabad. Spanning over 17,000 hectares, the Margalla Hills National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, barking deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. It also contains over 600 plant species, many of which are endemic or rare.
Forest fires in such areas pose a grave threat not only to biodiversity but also to soil quality, air purity, and water conservation. Experts warn that the repeated destruction of flora and fauna can lead to irreversible ecological imbalances. “Each time a fire breaks out, it’s not just trees that burn. It’s entire habitats that are lost,” said Dr. Maria Qureshi, an environmentalist and researcher in biodiversity conservation.
Besides damaging wildlife, the smoke and carbon emissions from such fires also contribute to air pollution in the capital, which already faces serious environmental challenges due to urbanization and vehicle emissions.
Challenges in Firefighting and Prevention
Fighting forest fires in rugged terrains like the Margalla Hills is particularly challenging. The steep slopes, dense vegetation, and lack of access routes make it difficult for fire trucks and equipment to reach the affected areas. Firefighters often rely on manual tools, leaf blowers, and water carried in portable tanks to suppress the flames.
According to officials, this recent fire spread across an area of approximately three kilometers before it was fully contained. Aerial support was not available, and much of the containment relied on line-cutting and ground teams creating firebreaks to prevent further spread.
One of the major issues facing authorities is the lack of surveillance and early warning systems. The installation of watchtowers, drones, and thermal cameras has been proposed multiple times but remains largely unimplemented due to budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles.
Call for Public Awareness and Policy Reform
Experts and activists are urging for stronger forest protection laws and stricter penalties for those found guilty of environmental offenses. Moreover, public awareness campaigns are crucial to educating local communities and tourists about the importance of fire safety.
“Preventing forest fires is not just the government’s responsibility. Every citizen must be a stakeholder in protecting our natural heritage,” said Dr. Qureshi. “Even something as simple as extinguishing a cigarette properly or not leaving glass bottles in the forest can make a difference.”
The CDA has announced that it will be working closely with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) to draft a new fire prevention and response strategy. This may include the deployment of trained fire rangers, better equipment, and awareness sessions in nearby schools and hiking groups.
Conclusion
The recent fire in the Margalla Hills serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activity and nature. As climate change continues to intensify weather patterns, and urban sprawl pushes closer to protected areas, incidents like this are likely to become more frequent.
Urgent action is required to safeguard these natural treasures. From policy enforcement and technological upgrades to community engagement and strict accountability, every step will count in preventing future disasters and preserving the ecological integrity of the Margalla Hills.
Reference: مارگلہ پہاڑیوں پر لگی آگ پھیلنے کا خدشہ
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