ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority on Tuesday launched a decisive crackdown against alleged illegal encroachment on forest land in the Bhara Kahu area, taking action against private developers accused of chopping trees and leveling protected green zones in the federal capital.
Officials from the CDA Environment Wing moved swiftly after receiving reports of large scale tree cutting in reserved forest land identified as RF 8. According to authorities, more than ten kanals of forest land were illegally cleared after trees were felled and shrubs uprooted to facilitate unauthorised development activity.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani said the enforcement team immediately halted the work and confiscated heavy machinery being used at the site. He confirmed that a fine of Rs7 million was imposed for the cutting of around forty mature trees and more than one hundred shrubs, describing the action as a clear violation of environmental and forestry laws.
He added that the case has been referred to the court of the CDA magistrate for recovery of the fine and further legal proceedings related to tree cutting and damage to landscaping. In addition, a First Information Report has been registered at Bhara Kahu police station against those involved in the illegal activity.
Reaffirming the authority commitment to environmental protection, the CDA spokesperson said strict action would be taken against anyone found damaging Islamabad greenery. He claimed that sustained enforcement and plantation efforts had contributed to a gradual increase in the capital green cover despite mounting development pressure.
An official of the CDA Environment Wing said the authority maintains detailed and historic records of all forest land in Islamabad, including documentation dating back to 1902 and 1935. According to these records, the affected land clearly falls within reserved forest area RF 8 in Bhara Kahu, leaving no ambiguity about its protected status. The CDA also confirmed that tree plantation drives were underway and would be expanded in the coming months.
