By: Fatima Iftikhar
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) have decided a landfill near Sangjani (Specifically in the sector B-17 Approved by CDA). As this matter was heaved up many underlying problems were brought to spotlight. As, the decided area was reserved for forest by Punjab Forest Department. EPA held a public hearing and strong response of residents made a huge impact to halt the landfill.
Sector B-17 is a newly approved sector by CDA which is part of Islamabad Master plan. It is currently in a developing stage. The population in this sector is increasing as the development activities are also on rise. This sector located near the Nicholson Monument, Margalla hills. Enchanted with beautiful landscape and near to New Islamabad airport. Only 18 kilometers away from the NUST University H-12 sector via GT road. The authorities and the management of sector are very conscious and active about the natural beauty and preservation of the landscape of the area.
As per the CDA website the Islamabad has a population of approx. 2 million and per day wastage is approx. 1000 tons. Mayor of Islamabad and Chairman CDA Sheikh Answer Aziz said:
“that due to years of negligence, poor-planning, inefficient collection, transportation and disposal of the municipal trash generated in the rural areas of the city pose ecological and health hazards for the residents, therefore, new system was need of the hour”.
In the month of October 2020 news was published reporting CDA and IMC have decided and new landfill for the Islamabad. The land was claimed to be barren and no green area. The digging was in the early stage when the residents near the area take notice. The society and management of B-17 was not informed or taken under confidence about this landfill. The landfill these authorities chose is near the residential area. The resident and the management of Multi-Professional Cooperative Housing Society (MPCHS) strongly protested. They have created awareness and raised their voice against it. They arranged a public protest, and this news was covered and published by in different newspapers on different platforms. In the protest not only the surrounding resident but the whole community was concerned. When this news was published many other organizations came into the action. As community stand together the government had to review their decision. Area they selected is alongside the magnificent and historical Nicholson Monument. This Monument was completed in 1868 and stand a historical value in the region. Along with this historical landmark a landfill will not only destroy the natural beauty but will also decrease value of this precious landmark. The following figure no. 2 has the google earth location of this landfill from the satellite:
The landfill is not only close to the residential area but to one of the countries prestigious university is also within the 10Km range of this landfill. As per a report (Paula M Costello, 2015) people who live 5km away from a Landfill face many swear health problems. When we see at the other factors and weather condition of area, we will see that the location of this landfill is actually not suitable. According to figure 3, the direction of air in winter and summer are clearly shown. The direction of air is always starting from the landfill area and blows all through the sector.
The air blows at the speed of 30km/hrs. through starting from the bed of Margalla hills. If this landfill was operative and active all the population of this sector along with the Sangjani, D-17 will be polluted. This could lead to air pollution, smog, and many serious lungs diseases. The quality of air in the entire sector will be polluted. By making this landfill the entire sector and all nearby areas will be polluted within the matter of no time this sector will have less greenery and will face other environmental challenges and due to the globe warming the severity will be increased. Along with the air pollution a dam is also located near this landfill which will have higher risk of getting polluted and have more health issues.
Only 2 km away from the proposed landfill a water reservoir and treatment plant is located. Along with Simly dam this water reservoir is supplying water to Islamabad. If we look at the air direction in winters, air will blow from the landfill to water reservoir. The air pollution will not be only concern but this will lead to many other diseases for not only this sector but for those who consume will be infected.
After the public protest and different campaigns on virtual platform as well, made a huge impact. Many applications were sent on Prime Minister Citizen portal. Due to all the efforts put forward by the community was starting to get reward. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency EPA arranged a Public hearing on November 17, 2020 in Convention Center Islamabad. On the same date the TLP protest was on going and it was assumed that there will be no participation of public. But despite all hurdles there was a massive gathering and they successfully put forward their request to change the position of this landfill.
Along with the these issued pointed by the residents there were other problems as well the proposed area for landfill is no under the authority of the CDA. According to Punjab Forest department this area is under the Punjab division and CDA had no right over this land. The aera which was no green area and referred as barren land is a land reserved for forest by Punjab Forest Department.
At the end, we have learned a lot from this incident happening around us. People who are proactive can make their own way and succeed in life. All the resident who participated in the protest maybe not effected as the same by this decision by they stay united and organized. They knew what their rights are. But not only they are aware of their rights but also know what their responsibility is a responsible citizen. If actions are taken in the right direction, they will never go in vein. In the initial phase from the experience and poor misconception this was assumed this landfill will be made and there is no point of protesting against it. But little hope and continues effort this misconception was prove wronged. So not all hope is gone yet. Here I remember the quote of “Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved” by Mattie J.T. Stepanek.