On Friday, a severe heatwave ignited a wildfire in Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad. The fire, which began near Kalenjar village, rapidly spread across the hills. Responding promptly, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and fire brigade teams rushed to contain the flames.
Witnesses captured videos of the billowing smoke, expressing concern for the park’s wildlife. This incident follows two recent fires in the Chiran Di Gali and Saidpur areas, which took firefighters and three helicopters from the defense authorities and the Prime Minister’s Office about seven hours to control.
The next day, new fires erupted in 15 different locations, demanding another eight hours of intense firefighting efforts to extinguish.
Margalla Hills National Park spans 12,605 hectares and is overseen by the CDA and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). The repeated fires have sparked serious worries about the safety of the park’s wildlife and natural resources.
These frequent outbreaks underscore the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions and the necessity for improved fire management and prevention strategies. The authorities’ ability to manage such emergencies is crucial for protecting this vital natural habitat. This situation highlights the urgent need for better preparedness to combat the increasing threat of wildfires in Margalla Hills National Park.
The recurrence of fires in the Margalla Hills emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to safeguard this precious ecosystem.
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