ISLAMABAD: Over the past three years, Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park has witnessed a troubling surge in forest fires, resulting in the destruction of 267 acres of woodland, according to official documents reviewed by Hum News.
In 2022 alone, the park experienced 26 fire incidents, causing damage to 117 acres. The following year, 2023, saw a significant decline, with only nine reported fires affecting 20 acres. However, in 2024, the number spiked again with 22 separate fire events, leading to the loss of 130 acres of forested area.
Environmental experts have expressed deep concern over the recurring fires, warning that the ecological balance of the region is under serious threat. They are calling for immediate preventive measures, including improved surveillance, rapid response units, and public awareness campaigns to safeguard the park’s fragile ecosystem.
The Margalla Hills National Park, known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, forms part of the Himalayan foothills and serves as a crucial green buffer for the federal capital. The frequency and scale of these wildfires are raising alarm bells among conservationists and city planners alike.
Also read: Margalla Hills blaze brought under control