The Margalla Healing Project (MHP) officially launched this year. Its ambitious goal is to reclaim land from the invasive plant species Lantana camara in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP).
Launched as a pilot project on Trail 4, the initiative has already made significant strides, clearing around 20 acres of land from this persistent invader.
Lantana camara, known for its rapid spread, has infested approximately 30-40% of the MHNP. Its growth prevents native plants from flourishing, disrupting the park’s delicate ecosystem and biodiversity. The eradication of this invasive species is no small feat, and experts warn that it may take years of sustained effort to mitigate its spread.
The idea of tackling the Lantana problem has been under discussion for years, but it was the volunteers from the Friends of Margalla Hills National Park (FoMHNP) who took the first bold step forward. Their dual mission: to rid the park of Lantana and raise awareness among the public about the harmful effects of this invasive species.
On Sunday (December 22) afternoon, approximately 25 volunteers participated in a Lantana removal activity at the Margalla View Point, one of the most heavily affected areas. The task was not easy, as the Lantana infestation in this area was particularly dense and challenging to manage. However, the volunteers, including engineering students from Air University’s Electromechanical Department, rose to the occasion and performed admirably.
Bezad Raza, known as “The Lantana Hunter” and the project’s in-charge, praised the volunteers for their dedication and hard work. “It’s time to give back to Mother Nature and protect the Margallah Hills National Park,” Raza said. “We must join hands to restore the park’s natural beauty and safeguard its biodiversity for future generations.”
The day’s activity was just the beginning. FoMHNP volunteers have already planned additional sessions at the Margalla View Point, with the goal of clearing approximately 50 meters of land in the coming weeks.
Lantana’s invasive nature means that the task of eliminating it is a long-term commitment. Experts note that removing Lantana is crucial not only for restoring the park’s plant life but also for protecting the wildlife that depends on a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
As the Margallah Healing Project progresses, the role of volunteers, like those from FoMHNP and Air University, will remain vital to its success. The effort reflects a growing community awareness of the environmental threats facing Islamabad’s iconic Margallah Hills National Park—and the urgent need to take action.