Islamabad: The residents of Shahpur Phulgran in Bhara Kahu, a sub-urban area in the federal capital are grappling with deplorable living conditions after the once-lush Capital Development Authority (CDA) park was turned into a makeshift dumping site.
Once a vibrant recreational hub, the park has lost its scenic beauty and biodiversity due to the alleged dumping of solid waste by the civic agency. The flowers, indigenous plants, and overall ecological balance have suffered immensely.
Situated at the junction of the newly constructed Bhara Kahu Expressway Shahpur Phulgran link road via Murree Road, the park is now overshadowed by heaps of garbage. The elevated track on one side and adjoining routes on the other make the site a prominent but grim reminder of urban negligence.
The park, which used to host sports galas, school events, and community activities, is now unrecognizable. 'This park was once a landmark of our area. Now it's a nightmare,' said Sultan Sher Raja, a retired public servant and a local resident.
In an exclusive interview with reporter, Raja alleged that the Capital Development Authority outsourced waste collection to a third party, and the contractor chose the park as a convenient dumping ground.
Raja further claimed that waste from neighbouring areas, including Murree city, is being dumped here, with traces of infectious waste posing serious health risks. 'The negligence is jeopardizing the local ecology, including birds and other animals,' he said.
Raja urged quarters concerned, to take immediate action against this environmental and public health crisis.
The situation has become unbearable for residents. 'The stench is awful, and the sight is even worse. Scavengers, rodents, and stray dogs now dominate the area,' said Humera Ashfaq, a local school teacher.
She lamented that the once-thriving green space now offers a painful view of neglect, with no trace of its former identity as a botanical park.
Ashfaq warned that unchecked dumping, coupled with the rise of plastic pollution and infectious waste, could have long-term consequences. 'Without parks and green spaces, there is no hope for a clean, green environment or healthy air quality,' she added.
A study by the Institute of Urbanism highlights the issue, revealing that the CDA can only manage to collect and dispose of 60-70% of the federal capital's waste.
The remainder is left to rot in open spaces, exacerbating environmental degradation.
Despite repeated attempts to seek their response, the CDA Sanitation Directorate did not comment on the issue when contacted by reporter.
