ISLAMABAD: The environment wing of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday imposed a ban on dumping along natural streams, green areas and open spaces.

Besides, Environment (west) director Akhtar Rasool suspended two forest guards for their failure to get stopped dumping of waste construction material in a green area in H-8.

A circular from the director said: “It has come into my knowledge that huge waste material is dumped along natural streams, green areas and in open spaces without the approval of the competent authority especially in Urban Division III (H-8). “Protection staff has badly failed to control this illegal activity. It is a sheer violation of relevant laws,”the circular said.

It said that keeping in view the violation, dumping along natural streams, green areas and open spaces “is herby strictly banned. If the orders are not complied with, disciplinary action will be initiated against the responsible,” read the circular.

Speaking to Dawn, the director said waste construction material thrown near H-8 Commerce College was removed on Friday.

“Today, I took action against two officials concerned and issued a circular, putting a complete ban on open dumping,” he said and added that trees would be planted at the site.

The sector has significant green area and open land, where private contractors dumped debris of demolished houses there apparently in connivance with the CDA staff.

People also throw debris on green belt along the I.J.P road.

“Protection of green belts and natural streams is our responsibility and we will ensure their protection,” the director said.

Over a dozen natural streams from Margallas pass through different residential sectors are filthy and heavily contaminated.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2021