Wildlife under siege or bureaucracy trying to firefight?

Brewing drama between IWMB and CDA, a supreme court case and an unregistered FIR; a lot of fire-fighting is taking place behind the scenes while everyone is focused on premiership

By: Syeda Masooma

Amidst a brewing conflict between the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA), civil society voices are focused on the country’s political turmoil. A long-standing conflict between the two government bodies recently turned fierce with one moving the apex court against the other amidst efforts to register another FIR.

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has made a fervent plea to the Supreme Court, urging decisive action from the federal government and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to safeguard the wildlife and pristine landscapes of the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).

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In a petition filed by Umer Ijaz Gilani on behalf of IWMB, the apex court is implored to direct several respondents, including the CDA, Ministry of Climate Change, the chief commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), and the inspector general of police (ICT), to collaborate with IWMP and promptly vacate the information centres on Trail 5 and 6.

Additionally, IWMB seeks an injunction against CDA’s attempts to seize the animal sanctuary maintained by the board in the foothills of the Margalla Hills.

The petition highlights alleged illegal actions by the CDA, which have severely hampered IWMB’s ability to fulfil its core responsibilities of wildlife conservation and park management. Specifically, the petition recounts a distressing incident on February 15, wherein a contingent of 50 to 60 CDA officers reportedly forcibly entered the visitor information centres along Trail 5 and Trail 6, as well as the field office in Kalinjar.

The officers, without prior warning, allegedly vandalised the premises, destroyed locks, and evicted IWMB staff, leaving belongings strewn outside.

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Describing the CDA’s actions as “blatant harassment and usurpation,” the petition underscores the detrimental impact on IWMB’s statutory duties and citizens’ rights to enjoy the park’s natural treasures.

IWMB contends that such coercive measures by CDA have resulted in a dire financial situation for the board, impeding its operations under challenging circumstances.

IWMB management also alleges that CDA has also caused problems for IWMB’s fund raising endeavors.

The petition further calls upon the Supreme Court to direct the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, ensuring accountability for those responsible.

IWMB’S HISTORY, & A TIMELINE OF CURRENT FIASCO

The Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) has levied serious allegations against the Capital Development Authority (CDA), claiming retaliation and unlawful behaviour.

Established in 1995 with the primary aim of safeguarding the Margalla Hills and its associated wildlife, IWMB has been steadfast in its commitment to conservation efforts, including education initiatives targeting both local communities and international visitors.

In addition to its core mission, IWMB has been vocal about the dire conditions of the Islamabad Zoo, advocating for improved welfare standards for its animal inhabitants. Following legal intervention by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), IWMB secured control of the zoo from the CDA, subsequently transforming it into a rehabilitation centre for rescued animals. Collaborating with wildlife authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, IWMB has been instrumental in rescuing various species, including distressed baby bears previously exploited as ‘dancing bears’.

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However, IWMB alleges that its proactive stance has drawn the ire of the CDA, resulting in retaliatory actions. According to IWMB representatives, CDA personnel descended upon IWMB facilities on Saturday without prior notice, forcibly ejecting staff members and sealing office premises used for educational purposes. Describing these actions as ‘hooliganism’, IWMB officials express frustration at the inability to file a formal complaint, citing a conflict of interest due to the dual role of the CDA chairman as commissioner.

Furthermore, IWMB voices concerns about the perceived incompetence of CDA management, particularly regarding the future of the Islamabad Zoo. Fearful that control may revert to CDA oversight, IWMB apprehends a regression to previous neglectful conditions, with potentially grave consequences for the welfare of zoo animals and broader wildlife conservation efforts.

CDA’S RESPONSES & COUNTER ALLEGATIONS

Responding to allegations levelled by the IWMB, the CDA has defended its actions, asserting adherence to legal protocols and safety considerations.

Addressing IWMB’s claims of unlawful behaviour, an anonymous source from within CDA spoke to HUM English and emphasised the authority’s commitment to addressing illegal encroachments. They stated that the recent actions were in response to unauthorised occupation of designated spaces, reiterating CDA’s stance on enforcing regulations pertaining to land use.

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In defence against accusations of insufficient dialogue, CDA highlighted previous attempts to collaborate with IWMB, citing proposals for joint efforts that were allegedly rebuffed. Referring to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the parties, CDA reiterated the binding nature of the chairman’s decisions in cases of disagreement, underscoring the legal framework governing their interactions.

Contrary to IWMB’s claims of forceful eviction, CDA asserted that the evacuation on February 15 was conducted peacefully, with prior notice issued in accordance with established procedures. They maintained that the decision was prompted by safety concerns, particularly during the fire-fighting season, necessitating access to Trail 5-6 for emergency response teams.

Additionally, CDA refuted allegations of neglect, asserting that IWMB personnel had not provided any assistance during fire-fighting efforts.

Despite this, CDA purportedly offered accommodations to any of the IWMB staff wishing to assist in fire-fighting, demonstrating goodwill towards resolving the dispute amicably.

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CDA reiterated its jurisdiction in regulating public spaces, and said that the said offices are being used for private parties, and affirmed its obligation to prioritise public safety over recreational activities. Nonetheless, they affirmed their commitment to providing IWMB with alternative facilities should they opt to relocate.

As the conflict between IWMB and CDA continues to unfold, stakeholders await further developments, hopeful for a resolution that reconciles conservation imperatives with regulatory requirements and safety considerations.