Adviser to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Law, Labour and Inter-Provincial Coordination Amir Javed has directed Forest Department and concerned institutions to take solid and result-oriented measures including fresh plantation for protection of natural environment, forests and improvement of environmental standards in Donga Gali, Nathia Gali and Thandiani.
Presiding over a meeting regarding writ petition filed in connection with Forest Department, Amir Javed said that protection of natural beauty and ecological balance of Galiyat should be ensured in all circumstances and for this purpose effective implementation should be made of existing laws, rules and regulations and environmental policies.
He made it clear that construction of concrete cities at the cost of natural forests is not acceptable in any case, forest land cannot be allowed to be converted into concrete structures through encroachments and illegal constructions. He directed for accurate demarcation of forest boundaries and effective action against illegal occupations.
The Adviser raised the question that despite presence of relevant laws and regulatory system, how encroachments were established? Concerned institutions should ensure effective implementation of law by identifying shortcomings in their administrative responsibilities and monitoring system.
He directed to conduct comprehensive review of administrative affairs of Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), building control regulations and construction activities and said that construction matters regarding seven-storey 67 hotels should also be reviewed in light of rules and regulations and environmental requirements. Development activities should not exceed natural environment and legal limits.
Amir Javed also questioned the role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding environmental protection and stressed the need to ensure its effective functioning for environmental monitoring, assessment and enforcement of laws. He termed environmental impact assessment, effective management of solid waste and determination of proper dumping sites as indispensable to save natural environment of the area from further damage.
He said that mere presentation of written stance, official correspondence and policy documents is not enough, but practical steps and their clear results should come forth. All concerned institutions including Forest Department should prove their performance practically regarding fresh plantation, restoration of forests, demarcation of boundaries and prevention of illegal constructions.
The Adviser said that institutions will have to come out of outdated administrative procedures. Apparently concerned institutions are still working according to 2011 mode of working, while to deal with requirements of 2026 and serious challenges arising from climate change, adoption of modern, active and result-oriented strategy is indispensable.
He made it clear that administrative laziness, negligence and delay in implementation of policy decisions will not be tolerated. All concerned institutions should ensure protection of natural environment and forests of Galiyat through measurable practical steps instead of limiting their responsibilities to mere paperwork.