Islamabad Adds Over 9,000 Acres of Green Cover Amid Urban Expansion, NDVI Analysis Shows

Islamabad has seen a notable rise in its green cover, with a net increase of over 9,000 acres recorded between January 2023 and December 2025, according to a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis. The data highlights significant vegetation growth in the Margalla Hills, reflecting improvements in forest and natural cover across the region.

While the overall trend is positive, the analysis also identified a reduction in green cover in some sectors, largely attributed to planned urban development. NDVI maps depict these changes visually, with green areas indicating newly added or restored vegetation and red areas marking built-up or developed zones.

Experts say the increase in greenery demonstrates Islamabad’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, showing that urban expansion can coexist with ecological conservation. The report underscores the importance of continued afforestation and conservation efforts to maintain the city’s ecological balance while accommodating growth.