Islamabad — The Capital Development Authority (CDA) swiftly acted on January 21, 2026, against private developers accused of illegally encroaching on forest land in Bhara Kahu by chopping down trees and leveling over 10 kanals of protected greenery in RF-8 sector.
CDA’s environment wing team, acting on a tip-off, immediately halted the work, confiscated machinery, and imposed a Rs7 million fine for the felling of around 40 trees and over 100 shrubs. The authority has moved a case to its magistrate court for recovery of the fine and further legal proceedings, while an FIR has been registered at Bhara Kahu police station.
CDA’s environment wing takes action against alleged land grabbing in forestland (RF-8) in Bhara Kahu area. https://t.co/vCdXe6hqPC
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 21, 2026
Key Highlights
- CDA environment wing confiscated machinery and stopped illegal work on over 10 kanals of forest land (RF-8) in Bhara Kahu on January 21, 2026.
- Fine of Rs7 million imposed for chopping approximately 40 trees and more than 100 shrubs.
- Case forwarded to CDA magistrate court; FIR lodged with Bhara Kahu police.
- CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani affirmed strict action against tree cutting and land grabbing to protect Islamabad’s greenery.
- Authority maintains detailed historical records (1902 and 1935) clearly demarcating forest boundaries, confirming the site as protected RF-8.
- Ongoing tree plantation drive in January with plans to accelerate efforts next month to boost green cover.
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani emphasized that the civic body is committed to safeguarding Islamabad’s environment. “We are ensuring protection of greenery in Islamabad and strict action will be taken against those involved in tree cutting,” he said. He noted that sustained efforts have contributed to an overall increase in the city’s green cover.
An official from the environment wing confirmed that CDA holds complete archival records of all forest areas, including demarcation sheets from 1902 and 1935, verifying the Bhara Kahu site as protected forest land.
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The incident underscores the authority’s vigilance against encroachments that threaten the capital’s natural assets. Islamabad’s residents and environment benefit from such decisive measures, preserving the city’s ecological balance and green heritage for future generations.
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