ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday launched a crackdown on encroachers and removed illegal structures constructed on a large tract of Margalla Hills protected under National Park Area.

The structures were allegedly established in connivance of the CDA staff. However, to clear such encroachments that are also a breach of Margalla Hills National Park Area Act-1979, the CDA on Monday concluded a joint survey of Margalla Hills.

A joint team of Environment Protection Unit, Environment Wing, Planning Wing and Enforcement Directorate participated in operation.

The CDA has warned encroachers and violators to demolish illegal structures otherwise the authority in collaboration with the ICT Administration and Islamabad police would carry out joint operations soon after Eid.

In a statement CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal said Margalla Hills add extraordinary beauty to Islamabad and protect and preserve environment.

“No one is allowed to grab government land or establish illegal structures in Zone-III due to which Margalla Hills have been declared National Park Area, where all kinds of construction and commercial activities are not allowed,” said the CDA chairman.

CDA spokesman said encroachments would be removed from Margalla Hills to curb this tendency. “Now special teams have been formed for effective monitoring of the areas after the operation,” Asim Khichi added.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2014