Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

IWMB Takes Over Monal and La Montana Eateries in Margalla Hills for Demolition
The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board has taken control of Monal and La Montana restaurants in Margalla Hills National Park for demolition.
ND
by News Desk
2024-09-17
IWMB Takes Over Monal and La Montana Eateries in Margalla Hills for Demolition

Following Supreme Court orders, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has successfully taken possession of the Monal and La Montana restaurants located within Margalla Hills National Park. This action marks the beginning of a restoration process aimed at returning the affected areas to their natural state.

 

The IWMB has requested the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to provide heavy machinery and staff to assist in the demolition of the restaurants. In a letter dated September 12, the wildlife board thanked the CDA for its cooperation and requested the machinery and personnel needed to dismantle the structures and clear debris.

 

“As possession has now been successfully taken over by IWMB, we are preparing to commence the demolition of the structures, in compliance with the Supreme Court's order. In this regard, we kindly request the provision of the necessary machinery and staff,” the IWMB stated.

 

An official from the IWMB mentioned that after the demolition, the board will fully implement the Supreme Court's orders issued on August 21. The primary focus will be on restoring the area to its original natural condition. The scenic hilltop on Pir Sohawa Road, which once provided free access to the public before the restaurants were built, will once again be open to visitors.

 

The IWMB has already formed an 11-member committee that includes representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change, IWMB, district administration, capital police, and CDA officials. The closure of these establishments has also reduced traffic on Pir Sohawa Road, a long-standing concern for environmentalists.

 

The Supreme Court’s August 21 order directed the removal of Monal, La Montana, and Gloria Jeans, citing their violation of the Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation and Management) Ordinance of 1979. Last week, the apex court also rejected the review petitions filed by the owners of the restaurants.

 

Monal, which was established by the CDA and leased in 2006 for 15 years, found itself at the center of a legal dispute regarding land ownership. Although Monal began paying partial rent to both the CDA and the army, the Islamabad High Court later ruled that commercial activity was not permitted in the national park, prompting the Supreme Court to take decisive action.

 

Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, in a 13-page ruling, harshly criticized the actions of the Monal Group of Companies and other restaurant owners, referring to them as trespassers. The decision emphasized that these businesses had no legal right to operate within the protected national park area, further solidifying the court's stand on preserving Margalla Hills’ environmental integrity.

 

While the restaurant owners await the CDA’s potential decision to file a review petition, the IWMB is moving forward with its plans to demolish the structures and restore the national park to its former glory.
Tagged:

CDA

MargallaHills

WildlifeConservation

MonalDemolition

IWMB

SupremeCourtOrder
Share News: