After the closure of Monal restaurant Islamabad, notices have also been issued to Gloria Jean’s and La Montana which are located on the hilltop. The notification was issued by the Environment Protection Agency on Friday. The Environment Protection Agency declared that these restaurants have been set up without environmental clearance. Furthermore, the management also failed to provide any plans. There were no policies regarding solid waste management, sewerage water, and drinking water supply despite multiple notices.
“The Islamabad High Court, in its orders dated January 11, 2021, observed that protection of ecosystems and natural habitat is a constitutional obligation of the state, its institutions, and public dignitaries,” it stated. “The destruction of the national park is violative of the fundamental rights of the people of Pakistan and saving it from harm is the inviolable duty of the State.” Due to the lack of compliance, the restaurants are made to face the consequences.
Restaurants To Be Handed Over By March 17th
All activity by both restaurants is to be stopped under Section 16(2) of the Pakistan Environment Protection Act, 1997. The discharge of wastes and affluents is to be immediately ceased under the order. The restaurants are directed to close all the entry and exit gates. Both the restaurants are now to shift their belongings from the sites at the earliest. After all these things are taken care of, the IWMB will take possession in the given time of 1 month.
Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) is to take possession of both these premises after March 17th. The ownership of these lands will hence be transferred to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board. The court has also instructed the concerned organizations to take measures that are necessary to stop further environmental degradation in the Margalla Hills National Park.
Gloria Jean’s and La Montana are not the first restaurants to suffer this blow. Earlier this year, Monal restaurant faced similar circumstances. Justice Athar Minallah made it clear that Islamabad Hills National Park can’t be used for commercial purposes at any cost. “The land should, once again, be handed back to the park,” the court had ordered.
Source: Pro Pakistani