An Environmental Evaluation of School Transport in Islamabad: A Case Study of Sector H-8

Abstract

Due to varying educational standards and thirst for better education, the idea of private school system has become very strong. The gap between public and private education has increased and private schools are inevitable for upper and upper middle classes. Like any other city; in Islamabad, the private schools were initially opened in residential plots that caused different traffic issues and deteriorated the living environment around schools. Due to these issues and to save the peace and tranquillity of the residents, CDA decided to shift these private schools from residential area to institutional area in sector H-8 and H-11. The institutional area is away from the residential sectors; therefore students have to use some mode of transport. Since there is no mass transit system introduced in the city therefore majority of them use their private transport. As a result, the road network of sector H-8 remains choked during school opening and closing times. This diversified private transport is not only creating traffic hazard but also affecting the environment. In addition, it also poses a burden on natural resources as well as financial constraint for parents. The research was designed to explore and analyze the aforementioned issues and to suggest necessary measures for sustainable transport system for schools generally and specifically for sectors H-8 and H-11. Questionnaire was used to collect data from all stakeholders (including school children, school management and authorities such as police and CDA). Site photographs, layout plans and images were used to accentuate the problem areas. Sound level meter was used to measure the noise level. Deliberations were made with all stakeholders. Finally, all data was compiled, analyzed and concluded for possible recommendations. A model was also proposed for sustainable transport system for schools in the study area.