The Capital Development Authority (CDA) would shortly hire the consultants to conduct the feasibility study of Margalla Tunnel Project to evaluate the pros and cons of the project. "It is too early to say anything about the project before a feasibility study is conducted to evaluate all aspects of the project with particular focus on the environmental, cost, engineering, social and economic impact," said a senior CDA official Wednesday.
He said the Authority would soon hire NESPAK or any foreign consultant, to conduct the feasibility of the project but hoped that it would be okayed as the Authority would take all measures to protect flora and fauna of the Margalla Hills.
According to the proposed plan, the tunnel would link federal capital with Haripur, proving easiest access to the Northern Areas of the country, opening new scope for real estate market and boosting business activity on both sides.
The official admitted that the project was shelved after controversy between the Authority and environmentalists but the new CDA chairman announced that the project would be executed without further delay as it would also provide the residents cheaper housing facility on the other side of Margalla Hills.
"The project becomes more essential owing to the prevailing shortage of over 50,000 housing units as the project would help the residents of federal capital to avail housing facility at far lesser rates. According to the official, the project was opposed by CDA-hired consultant in its report in 2005, but the official said this time, the Authority has selected some points providing shortest way to Hazara Division.
"It would be two or one and half kilometer from Islamabad. We have pointed out two spots, one near Bhara Kahu and other near Margazar Zoo. These points are far nearer than those were selected previously," said the official.
Chairman, CDA, Tariq Mehmood Khan, said that the tunnel project would not have drastic impact on the natural beauty of Margallla Hills as the Authority would spend more than ten-time on the environmental beauty than the loss reached to it during the execution of the project.
He further said that the tunnel would be as wide as having four-lane road and providing space for rail link and mono-train in future, and hoped that if all things go smooth, the project would be executed within two-year period. He said the project would also be discussed with the top slot to get green signal in this regard.
According to the CDA's master plan for the Islamabad Capital Territory, the hills are a national park area since they are an extension of the Himalayan range and the northern boundary of the Potohar plateau and there are also some 82 bird species in the area. Many reptiles are also found in this area including the Russell's viper, Indian cobra and saw-scaled viper.