Impact of Domestic Tourism and Environmental Sustainability,with case study of Margalla Hills National Park

Pakistan is rich in natural beauty leading to domestic tourists’ attraction not just because of charm but also due to affordability. Domestic tourism has always been a source of employment opportunities, generating revenue for a state but on the other hand impacts the ecosystem life. Moreover, in Pakistan during and post-Covid-19 time period the priority for tourism was mainly shifted towards domestic tourism. As more and more people visit domestic tourist sites. It creates a sense of unity and further leads to developments. In Pakistan, tourism leads to economic development. Moreover, Pakistan comes in last in the Asia-Pacific area. Pakistan proposed its first tourism policy in 1990. However, there is a policy gap from its proposal to its execution.

Margalla Hills National Park, third largest national park of Pakistan located at Islamabad known as “City of Peace.” Mountainous area has always been a source of attraction to locals as well as foreigners due to its incredible charm and best food spots. Human activities have disrupted the ecosystem and wildlife. Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are the legal frameworks that played a crucial role in Pakistan to make the construction projects sustainable and more environmental friendly. Further, the end product depends upon the working and effectiveness of legislation and law executing bodies.

Margalla Hills National Park is located near Haripur, KPK. This park is well known for its incredible views with hilly mountains rich with forestry. The park also includes tourist attractions like Margalla Hills, Shakarparian Park, Damen-e-Koh, Pir Sohawa, Lake View Park, and Rawal Lake. Moreover, this is a well-known area for bird lovers throughout the year and hiking tracks has always been a point for great fitness for locals and foreigners. Lastly, the food spots are majorly Monal Restaurant famous for ambiance and scenario views in outdoor sitting areas attract foody people. All in all, it has always been a source of attraction for tourists.

In 2000, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave the outline procedure for IEE and EIA. This provided a detailed outline for preparation, submission and guidance for the environmental report. Both Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and  Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) come under Pakistan Environment Protection Act (PEPA)-1997. It oversees all public and private development projects to get environmental approval so that the outcome of the project is environmental friendly and has a working mechanism that does not damage the environment. Some approved projects include Meezan Bank Office Building, G-8 Islamabad, Park Enclave Phase-III Project. On the other hand some rejected projects are the 3 Star Hotel Project at Sector I-8, Islamabad , Capital Residencia, Sector E-11, Islamabad etc. All these results EIA and IEE faces difficulties (e.g enforcement, public participation, sometimes even political and economic pressure) that compromise environmental assessments. Despite these issues the legal framework has evolved over a period of time so that it contributes to sustainable development in Pakistan.

The environmental assessment of Margalla Hills National Park Project is controversial as the official governmental authorities Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (PEPA) it was constructed in 1980 , the purpose was to dedicate the area for tourism and recreation for public visiting area along with giving protection to flora and fauna .This project includes the road expansion projects( lead to parks, restaurant and trails), Visitor facilities (parking areas, viewpoints and trails) and commercial development (like restaurant one of the famous one is the Monal Restaurant). The assessment project documents are yet not found for the public, leaving a question for the transparency of legal authorities. But still according to unofficial resources 1980s to 1990s the road development was further enhanced,2000-2010 further road expansion and commercial ventures, 2010 till now new parking areas, advanced trails due to increased domestic tourism. For the assessment procedure IEE is done to determine if EIA is necessary. The outcome of all this procedure shows the professionalism and legal authorities sense of responsibility towards environmental sustainability and serving public demand for tourism and their concern increased public awareness through this case. On the other hand, the criticism and opacity in case question the law executing body, making a mountainous area for public visit there should be a proper planning for environmental protection. Disturbing wildlife, 21 forest fires experienced this season refer to bad decisions of this project. Now the supreme court has ordered for closure of Monal and other restaurants in Margalla Hills National Park. Recently, Monal Restaurant has announced the closure of their restaurant on 11 september,2024 after 16 years of services at the heart of Margalla Hills.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) (CDA) plans Rs2bn project to reforest Margalla hills for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 to enhance flora and fauna that were damaged by forest fires. It seems there is whole blame game between institutional level for this case, like criticism towards the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) for flaws in management and enforcement regulation. Moreover, insufficient funding and resources for the park. Local Authorities may also be blamed for bad waste management system. Lack of awareness from tourists (e.g, for littering, damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife).Lastly, environmental organization feel lack of cooperation with governmental authorities for environment conservation. The blame game on institutional level is one of the major flaw for this project and lead to its closure due to mismanagement, security and environmental reasons. Margalla Hills National Park has always been an attraction for tourism more specifically domestic tourism, the closure of this area not only impact the tourism but also creating difficulty for the employed people there as there no plan for the accommodation for people working there and who own the local businesses. Moreover, this case also shows the strength and weakness of PEPA, wildlife authorities, government role and public concerns in terms of their seriousness towards motherland.

In short, it’s crucial for environmental assessment authorities to look for more environmental friendly projects to increase tourism and save the ecosystem as well. A safe and sustainable environment promises a wellbeing of citizens. The relevant decision making bodies that are involved in this whole process should keep connecting and generate possible solutions that not only enhance tourism, wildlife protection, and also legal bodies’ working mechanisms.