Margalla Enclave development in Islamabad accelerates as Park Road expansion sparks debate over urban growth, environmental protection, and green spaces near Margalla Hills.
The Margalla Enclave housing project in Islamabad’s Zone 4 has once again come under public scrutiny. Recent construction activity has intensified debate around urban expansion, infrastructure growth, and the protection of green spaces near the Margalla Hills.
Located close to environmentally sensitive zones, Margalla Enclave has become a symbol of the wider struggle between development needs and ecological preservation in the capital.
Park Road expansion accelerates Margalla Enclave progress
The latest development focuses on the construction of a dual carriageway on Park Road. Authorities aim to create smoother and faster access for future residents of Margalla Enclave.
Officials say the road is essential for the project’s functionality. The expansion is clearly indicating a clear push by the CDA and DHA, the project’s joint developers, to fast-track completion. However, as construction speeds up, concerns are also growing.
Recent Margalla Enclave-related controversies
This progress does not exist in isolation. It connects closely with other Margalla-related environmental debates in Islamabad.
Recently, large-scale tree cutting in Shakarparian triggered public outrage. While officials claimed they removed only paper mulberry trees, environmentalists disputed this narrative. They argued that healthy native trees were also lost.
Shakarparian legally falls within the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). Critics now see a pattern emerging. They believe road expansion for projects like Margalla Enclave reflects a development-first mindset that weakens Islamabad’s green cover.
Read also: CDA all set to launch phase II of Margalla Enclave
Proximity to Margalla Botanical Garden raises alarms
The Park Road dual carriageway also runs near the Margalla Botanical Garden. Environmental experts warn that increased traffic may raise pollution levels and disturb the area’s fragile ecosystem.
The botanical garden acts as a green buffer for the Margalla Hills. Any long-term impact could affect biodiversity beyond the immediate project zone.
Policy claims versus ground realities
Officials recently praised efforts to avoid tree cutting during road projects, even adjusting designs to save individual trees. Yet, ongoing construction around Margalla Enclave tells a different story.
This contrast has fueled skepticism among citizens, who enquire whether environmental policies translate into real action.
Development versus environment: a continuing debate
The Margalla Enclave project, marketed as a modern residential community, promises housing, commercial spaces, and amenities. Supporters keep on arguing that Islamabad needs planned expansion to meet rising demand.
On the other hand, environmental groups stress that green spaces near protected zones are irreplaceable.
As Islamabad grows, projects like Margalla Enclave will remain central to the debate. The challenge now lies in finding a balance that allows development without sacrificing the city’s natural identity.