F-10 roundabout and the E-10 flyover connecting Margalla Avenue, have faced similar criticism for their flawed designs.
Islamabad’s Rapid Development Threatens Green Identity & Livability. Islamabad, once known for its meticulously planned layout and lush greenery, is rapidly changing as it undergoes significant infrastructural development.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated several major projects aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic congestion, including the F-8 Jinnah flyover, the Serena Chowk underpass, modifications to the F-10 roundabout, and the 7th Avenue flyover. These developments are intended to modernize the city, but many residents are concerned that they are also eroding the capital’s aesthetic charm and environmental balance.
Historically, Islamabad was designed to integrate urban development with nature, but this delicate balance is increasingly threatened. Expansions of major roads like the Islamabad Expressway and Srinagar Highway have resulted in large-scale deforestation, leading to a drastic reduction in the city’s green cover. Iconic tree-lined streets are being replaced by expanding roads and commercial buildings, while the city’s green belts, once a defining feature, are shrinking rapidly.
This loss of greenery is having serious environmental consequences. The reduction in trees has intensified the urban heat island effect, contributing to higher temperatures and increased pollution levels. Furthermore, the lack of shaded areas has made life less comfortable for residents. What was once a “green city” is now turning into a densely urbanized metropolis, losing much of its natural beauty.
In addition to the environmental impact, some of the new infrastructure projects are proving to be ineffective in addressing the city’s traffic woes. For instance, the 7th Avenue flyover, with its poorly designed entry and exit points, has caused more traffic bottlenecks instead of improving the flow of vehicles. Similarly, the Serena Chowk underpass has created new traffic choke points, making daily commutes more frustrating.
Other projects, such as the F-10 roundabout and the E-10 flyover connecting Margalla Avenue, have faced similar criticism for their flawed designs. The lack of strategic planning and the absence of proper feasibility studies suggest that these initiatives are being rolled out reactively, rather than as part of a well-thought-out plan for urban development.
While progress is undoubtedly necessary for any city, many believe that Islamabad’s growth should not come at the cost of its identity and livability. There is a growing call for urban development that strikes a balance between modernization, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of the city’s unique charm.
