Influence Of Human Encroachment On Ecological Services Of Margalla Hills, Islamabad, Pakistan (A Case Study Of Saidpur Village)

Abstract

The Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) is an immense ecological resource. On the footsteps of MHNP, Saidpur village is located, which is home to approximately 12,000 inhabitants. This research is an ecological analysis to assess the interaction of Saidpur’s population with MHNP and the impacts associated with this interaction. Interviews were conducted using self-structed closed ended questionnaire, with 70 inhabitants to acquire information regarding their demographics, conduct of life and consciousness towards the ecological resources of the MHNP. The response from the respondents was fluctuating in terms of the factors for which they were assessed. The statistical analysis of the survey data depicted no common trend. Educational statuses of respondents did not play any role in awareness of ecological resources of MHNP. Floral assessment using quadrat analysis technique performed between the boundary of MHNP and Saidpur, clearly demonstrated the effects of human encroachment. A fuel source is a necessary requirement for a human being of the present time to survive and, surviving by any means is the motto of the people of Saidpur. The study shows that in order to survive, measure taken by the inhabitants, devastate the environmental and ecological conditions of MHNP. Lack of education and awareness about MHNP also contributes towards the deterioration of the flora of MHNP. Inclination towards sustaining the ecosystem of MHNP was observed among the respondents. Though their actions were contradicting, but in order to survive, irrational motives are adopted even against the will, such that effected the ecosystem of the MHNP. If provided with basic necessities and facilitated in accordance, the interaction between inhabitants of Saidpur and ecological resources of MHNP can opt to mutualism and commensalism, instead of competition and predation.