The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) has leased out 58.52 kanal of land in Ayubia National Park (ANP) to a private entity for the modernization of the Ayubia Chairlift project.
Concerns have been expressed about the decision’s possible effects on biodiversity and natural habitats. 110 kanals of property in Ayubia, including 58.52 kanals within the national park, have been leased to the Monal Group for business use.
The executing agency’s permitted activities within the historic park’s core zone are outlined in the Long Term Rental Lease Agreement signed on June 21, 2021, by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department and the GDA.
The primary goals of creating a National Park, which is to preserve and protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity, appear to be at odds with the approved activities listed in the agreement.
These contradictions have raised questions about the agreement’s motivations and possible harm to the natural integrity of the park.
Critics claim that because the lease prohibits the transfer or leasing of land within the boundaries of a National Park for economic gain, it violates both domestic and international regulations. They draw attention to provisions 35 and 36 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Biodiversity Act 2015, which impose restrictions on these kinds of activity.
In addition, procedural inconsistencies in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Director-General of the GDA and the Chief Conservator of Forests have raised concerns.
Land use decisions should have involved consultation with and consideration of the National Park, which is overseen by the Chief Conservator of Wildlife and administered by the Wildlife Department.
The lease agreement foresees significant tree removal, alteration of the terrain, development of high-rise structures and highways, and the placement of boundaries that will fragment the habitat. These actions endanger ecosystem services and biodiversity, causing irreversible harm to the environment.
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The project has been put on hold for three years due to a land dispute that the GDA and the Wildlife Department are involved in. Following the signing of an agreement by the acting Chief Conservator to transfer government land to the GDA for a private party, allegations of corruption and kickbacks have surfaced.
The Manshera-based Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of National Parks has officially reported the issue to Conservator Wildlife, National Parks, and other relevant authorities, stating that they are against the Memorandum of Understanding. The DFO has called attention to the inconsistencies in land use and leasing agreements as well as the infractions of National Parks laws.