By Ambreen Ali
Eighteen years ago, the beautiful Monal restaurant was constructed amidst the scenic Margalla Hills near Islamabad. However, over the past 18 years, the natural beauty of the environment has suffered greatly. There is no doubt that the surrounding greenery and towering mountains enhanced Monal’s charm, and the stunning views compelled visitors to spend hours at the restaurant.
For the city dwellers, it was a picturesque recreational spot, but Monal’s construction caused significant harm to the trees. The wildlife that once thrived in the area slowly disappeared as their natural habitats were disturbed, and the sounds of nature gradually faded. Many may wonder why there was a need to demolish Monal, especially when social media is filled with posts lamenting the loss. Some are sharing sad songs along with pictures of Monal, while others complain about the employees losing their jobs. Yet, no one seemed to care when the wildlife was being displaced.
Monal had restrooms, leading to a sewage system that emptied directly onto the hills. Visitors also littered without hesitation, adding to the pollution. In addition to the waste, smoke-emitting vehicles and their noise contributed to air and noise pollution. Due to Monal’s location at the peak, traffic jams were a regular occurrence, morning and evening. As a result, the wildlife suffered greatly, with the natural ecosystem of the national park being severely disrupted due to Monal and other encroachments. There is now hope that things will gradually return to the right direction.
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has reported that the condition of Margalla National Park has deteriorated due to excessive deforestation, littering, and encroachments. Concerned individuals filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court in 2014 for the protection of wildlife.
It’s not unreasonable to question why such a popular recreational spot was demolished. However, if the facts had been considered before construction, the current situation could have been avoided. Many of us are likely wondering why it was built in the first place if it was going to be demolished later. Sometimes, decisions are not taken seriously, leading to adverse consequences. The truth is that Monal Restaurant was granted only a small area, but they significantly expanded their seating and terrace space, which was entirely illegal. At the time of this illegal expansion, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) remained silent. If environmental concerns had been addressed back when construction was ongoing, neither the environment nor the people would be suffering today. Monal can be built elsewhere, and those who lost their jobs will find employment again. But the real question is: will the wildlife that abandoned us return? Are they even alive? Who will compensate for this loss? An 8,000-acre hotel was constructed; if environmental concerns had been taken seriously back then, none of this would have happened.
Now, a pair of leopards have been spotted in the national park, and a “Leopard Reserve” zone has been established where no one is allowed to enter. This is the first time leopards have started living here, and it is hoped that their population will increase, as the presence of ample food suggests. Due to the litter, the population of monkeys had increased, and they started encroaching into residential areas. To control the monkey population, it is necessary to protect the leopards. There have been incidents in Islamabad where monkeys attacked and bit humans, which can lead to rabies. Unfortunately, there is no research being conducted on this in Pakistan, nor is any treatment available, nor is any medicine being imported.
Monal will be completely demolished in a few days, and it is hoped that after the Supreme Court’s decision, the Margalla Hills will once again hum with life, and the birds will resume their cheerful songs.
