ISLAMABAD: Firefighters and officials successfully brought multiple fire incidents in Margalla Hills National Park under control after an extensive overnight operation involving more than 120 personnel from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Environment Wing.
According to officials, fires that erupted in various locations of the Golra and Bhara Kahu ranges were contained late at night after coordinated firefighting efforts. Assistant Commissioners, Environment Wing officers, and field staff remained present on the ground throughout the operation, closely monitoring the situation.
Separately, CDA teams also assisted the Rawalpindi Forest Department in combating a forest fire in the Tammair area. More than 25 personnel from the CDA Environment Wing participated in the operation, helping authorities bring over 80 percent of the affected forest area under control.
On Friday morning, another fire reported at Londha Dara in the Golra Range was successfully extinguished by a 48-member firefighting team. Following the containment of the blaze, cooling operations were launched to prevent any reignition.
Acting on the directives of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf, senior officers from the CDA Environment Wing and Islamabad Capital Territory administration remained in the field to supervise the emergency response.
The CDA chief has also ordered a formal investigation into the recent fire incidents and directed authorities to take strict legal action against anyone found responsible.
The administration appealed to visitors and residents to play their role in protecting the Margalla Hills by avoiding the disposal of lit cigarette butts, glass bottles, and other combustible materials in forest areas. Citizens have also been urged to refrain from barbecues and bonfires inside the national park during the ongoing fire season.
Officials emphasized that preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of Margalla Hills National Park is a shared responsibility and called on the public to support conservation efforts.