The increasing fragility of mountain ecosystems now direly needs the attention not only of concerned departments but also of the general public who must understand the impacts of unsuitable development that are particularly intense, more rapid and more difficult to correct than in other ecosystems.
The United Nations General Assembly has designated December 11, from 2003 onwards, as the International Mountain Day that is observed every year with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development. The theme for the International Mountain Day 2009 was ‘Disaster Risk Management in Mountains.’
The international day for mountains rightly reminds all of the people living in and around Islamabad to give a serious thought to rising threats to natural ecosystem of Margalla Hills National Park because of fire incidents, land cover change, agricultural intensification, infrastructure development and cutting of firewood that ultimately not only damage the vegetative cover but also spoil wildlife in the area.
The civil society organizations and some other individuals have been constantly raising their voice for preservation of natural character of Margalla Hills to avoid environmental hazards detrimental to human health. Himalayan Holidays is one of such organizations that have prepared various plans to raise awareness of local people especially students about ways and means to protect vegetative cover, flora and fauna and wildlife in the Margalla Hills.
Najeeb Khan, head of Himalayan Holidays and a tour operator, told ‘The News’ that there are 30 schools in the villages falling in the jurisdiction of Margalla Hills National Park having over 4,000 students that had first-hand knowledge about ground situation of the area. He said his organization prepared a comprehensive programme to raise awareness among these students who could better act as monitors and protectors of Margalla Hills.
“We need to educate the students about ways and means to avoid bushfire, promote wildlife and preserve water resources in Margalla Hills,” he said. Najeeb said they were planning to conduct night camping events on weekly basis in various villages including Sangjani, Golra, Shah Allahditta, Pind Sangdyal, Kot Janndan, Sanyari, Saidpur, Nurpur Shahan, Talhard, Gukina Kalan, Gukina Khurd, Malwadi, Nandiaas, Rumli and Shahdarra.
He said, “We are planning to take groups of students on one night camping and two days training activity that will provide them with outdoor education about biological diversity of forest and wild cover.” The students would be provided with free of cost camps, sleeping bags, meals and transportation during camping and training sessions, he said.
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