AS Islamabad continues to grow, the city faces critical challenges that demand immediate action. The call to preserve the green belts in Zones III and IV, as outlined in Islamabad’s original master plan, is not just a request; it is essential for the city’s future health, sustainability, and livability. Without a strict adherence to the master plan, Islamabad risks falling victim to the environmental issues that have plagued other urban centres, particularly Lahore and much of Punjab.
Zones III and IV in Islamabad, designated as green areas, are crucial for maintaining the city’s air quality and natural ecosystem. These zones were originally planned to serve as natural buffers, limiting urban sprawl and acting as “lungs” for the city, improving air quality and reducing temperatures. However, rapid and unchecked construction, particularly the mushrooming of new housing societies, threatens these green zones. Allowing further development in these areas will increase deforestation, disturb the local ecosystem, and exacerbate air pollution, with smog and haze emerging as direct consequences.
The implementation of Islamabad’s master plan, in its original form, is a vital step to ensuring sustainable urban development. This plan, with its zoning laws, provides a blueprint for responsible growth while preserving the green zones crucial to the city’s well-being. Enforcement of this plan should be uncompromising, with a strict ban on new housing societies in Zone IV. If Islamabad follows in the footsteps of Lahore, where rapid, unregulated expansion has led to one of the worst air quality indices in the world, the consequences will be severe. Smog—a hazardous blend of pollutants that impacts health, reduces visibility, and affects the climate—has already proven deadly in Lahore, causing a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, traffic accidents, and economic strain. The time to act is now. Authorities must prioritize the preservation of green zones, reinforce zoning laws, and ensure that Islamabad’s master plan is upheld without compromise. By protecting Zones III and IV, Islamabad can safeguard its environment and secure a healthier, cleaner future for its residents. Failure to do so risks the same air quality crisis now seen across Punjab.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
