Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday reviewed preparedness measures to prevent forest fires in the Margalla Hills ahead of the upcoming fire season, with officials emphasising improved monitoring, coordination and staffing.The meeting, held at CDA headquarters, was chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa and attended by officials from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, the Ministry of Climate Change and other relevant departments.During the meeting, officials reviewed existing arrangements and preparedness plans to respond to fire incidents in the Margalla Hills National Park area.The CDA chairman said the purpose of the meeting was to assess preparations in line with standard operating procedures before the onset of the fire season.Officials informed the meeting that the process of temporarily hiring additional staff ahead of the fire season would be completed soon.Authorities also briefed participants that existing fire lines were being cleared and monitoring mechanisms would be further strengthened.The meeting was told that the number of monitoring pickets would be increased and responsibilities of staff formally assigned to ensure more effective surveillance of vulnerable areas.Officials added that safety equipment, including fire balls and fire extinguishers, was already available.Randhawa directed that staff from the CDA, the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board and the district administration should operate as a coordinated unit.He also instructed officials to prepare clear job descriptions for all relevant personnel.
