ISLAMABAD, Dec 5: A sub-committee constituted by the Senate Standing Committee on Sports is to make a physical inspection of the Capital Development Authority’s road projects that threaten to wipe out several playgrounds. A meeting held on the subject held here on Monday was chaired by Senator Saeed Siddiqui and was attended by officials of CDA,including its chairman Kamran Lashari.

The CDA had been directed by the Senate Committee earlier this week to suspend work on the projects.

CDA officials insist that development of roads was necessary to accommodate the increasing traffic load.

Senator Muhammad Enver Baig, a member of the sub-committee told the authority’s officials that there was no justification in making new roads. He said that it would not only mean destroying green belts but also wreck facilities which are used by the poor players.

Baig pointed out that CDA’s plan of re-locating the playgrounds would make for little sense as the players of one area could not go to a place far off from their homes, mainly because of lack of transport.

Dr. Shireen Mazari, of the Institute of Strategic Studies who also attended the meeting, drew the attention of the authority’s managers to the Environment Act 1997 which does not allow for such an expansion without first obtaining a No-Objection Certificate.

A CDA official told the house that the Capital’s revised Master Plan was made but was not approved by the government.

If the CDA is allowed to go ahead with its development plans, a number of cricket, hockey and football grounds besides tennis courts will be eaten up.

Although CDA continues to say it will provide alternate facilities, neither the players nor the sports officials seem convinced.

Shakil Shaikh, President of Islamabad Cricket Association (ICA) told Dawn that they had spent a lot of money on the Diamond and Marghazar Grounds.

“It will be no less than a murder if CDA is allowed to execute its plans.”

“The road projects are not viable and CDA is bent upon making roads with no regard for public interest.”