CDA fire-fighters stop Haripur forests' blaze from spreading to Margalla Hills

Source: The News International

ISLAMABAD: The fire-fighters of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) with hectic efforts prevented fire from Haripur forests of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province into Margalla Hills of the federal capital.

According to details, a fire erupted in Pir Sherani area of Haripur which was kept at bay by CDA fire-fighters through timely action. On receiving reports of fire, a team comprising 60 fire-fighters was dispatched to boundary of KP province and Islamabad.

The CDA sources said that Haripur forest department sought assistance of CDA to extinguish fire in Pir Sherani area.

Meanwhile, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, taking notice of the incident of fire at Margalla Hills, directed that the elements who are involved in fire incidents on Margalla Hills be traced and identified and strict legal action should be taken by registering FIR.

Giving directions, he said that effective strategies be adopted to prevent fire incidents on Margalla Hills in the future and all possible steps should be taken to maintain the natural beauty of Islamabad.

Randhawa also met renowned Environmentalist Rizwan Mehboob on Wednesday. Rizwan Mehboob has extensive experience in forestry and environment and will voluntarily provide his recommendations to CDA for dealing with and preventing forest fires.

The services of Rizwan Mehboob will also be taken for the protection of forests. Similarly, he would also provide guidance for the survival and growth of flora and fona in Islamabad. Similarly, his experience and skills will be used in water saving.

DG Capital Emergency Services Dr. Abdul Rahman has also been directed to conduct audit of forest fire and identify the deficiencies in the process of forest fire prevention and control.

Meanwhile, the CDA chairman has been informed through a report by Directorate of Emergency and Disaster Management of the Municipal Corporation of Islamabad that highest number of 28 small and big fires on Margalla Hills, green areas along with two home fires were reported on May 28 (Tuesday). These include 24 green areas fires, two home fires, one garbage call and one electric fire.