CDA reviews preparations to prevent fires in Margalla Hills before fire season

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority on Thursday reviewed preparations to prevent fire incidents in the Margalla Hills ahead of the upcoming fire season during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

The meeting was held at CDA headquarters and attended by CDA Member Administration Talat Mehmood, environmental expert Rizwan Mehboob, officials of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, representatives of the Ministry of Climate Change and other relevant departments.

Officials reviewed arrangements and preparedness measures in accordance with standard operating procedures and protocols to deal with possible fire incidents in the hills.

During the briefing, participants were informed that the process of temporarily hiring staff before the start of the fire season would be completed soon. Authorities also highlighted steps being taken to clear existing fire lines and further improve monitoring systems.

The meeting was told that responsibilities of relevant staff would be formally assigned while the number of pickets would be increased to strengthen monitoring across vulnerable areas. Officials added that safety equipment, including fire balls and fire extinguishers, is already available for emergency response.

Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that personnel from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, CDA and the district administration would work together as a unified team to ensure effective fire prevention and response.

He directed officials to prepare clear job descriptions for all staff involved and emphasised the need for capacity-building through training of emergency and disaster management teams so their services could be effectively utilised during emergencies.

Randhawa also instructed authorities to devise a coordinated strategy with administrations of districts adjoining Islamabad to prevent the spread of fires into the federal capital.

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The meeting also reviewed progress on the ongoing tree plantation campaign in the city. Officials said trees taller than six feet are being planted to ensure better survival and growth.

Students from schools, colleges and universities, along with civil society groups and corporate organisations, are also participating in the plantation drive aimed at enhancing greenery in the capital.

Authorities said the measures are part of broader efforts to protect the environment of Islamabad and preserve the natural beauty and ecological balance of the Margalla Hills.