Islamabad to Charge Fee for Hiking and Trekking in Margalla Hills

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has announced the introduction of fee for hiking and trekking activities within the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) as a measure to address a shortage of funds. This decision was communicated by IWMB Chairperson Rina Saeed Khan during the launch of the board’s updated website on Saturday.

Ms. Khan explained that various entities, including educational institutions, civil society organizations, and private entities, often conduct hiking, trekking tours, and awareness activities in the national park. While these activities were previously free, organizers now need to fill a one-page form to seek permission, with the board allowing one-day permits.

Acknowledging potential resistance to this change, the chairperson emphasized that the IWMB can no longer sustain free visits due to financial constraints. The decision aims to strike a balance between promoting activities in the national park and generating the necessary funds for its conservation.

In addition to the fee announcement, the IWMB showcased two documentaries during the web launch. One documentary highlighted the creation, biodiversity, risks, and challenges faced by MHNP, while the other focused on the leopard preserve zone at Trail-6. The board is actively promoting guided tours on Trail-6 as a paid service to contribute to nature preservation efforts.

Ms. Khan emphasized the need for more volunteers like Mansoor Khan Sherwani, who actively participate in cleaning up the national park and educating the public on nature protection and conservation. Due to financial limitations, the board heavily relies on its 200 dedicated volunteers to address issues like littering and plastic pollution on Sundays.

The IWMB has effectively controlled hunting and poaching, with a focus on rescuing injured and traumatized wild, stray, and domestic animals. The wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center at the old Islamabad zoo, managed by the board, serves as a critical resource for handling rescued animals, including black bears, a Bengal tiger, and various monkeys.

Despite challenges, the board is committed to wildlife conservation and has successfully rescued a wild leopard, released secretly into MHNP to prevent panic. The center is now under the voluntary assistance of Nicole, Charles, and Lia from Second Chance Wildlife, who are helping run the wildlife rescue center.

IWMB Deputy Director Research and Planning, Sakhawat Ali, highlighted the board’s journey of conservation, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education. The effort involves training staff, led by senior wildlife expert Dr. Z.B. Mirza, to educate children on wildlife conservation.

The IWMB’s initiatives aim to strike a balance between conservation efforts, revenue generation, and public engagement for the sustainable preservation of Margalla Hills National Park, including the implementation of a hiking and trekking fee.

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