ABBOTTABAD: The Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) has taken an initiative to build infrastructure facilities and strictly check encroachments to conserve natural beauty of Galiyat region.

“Whoever encroaches or violates the approved site plan or structure of a building in Galiyat region, shall be liable to punishment for the term not exceeding three years or fine up to one million rupees or both,” said GDA spokesman while quoting from the relevant rules.

He said in a press statement that the director general or any authorised officer of the authority would have the powers to seal any building, structure or any premises for violation of any clause of the new ordinance.

The statement said that the beautification projects like face-lifting of the bazaars at Nathiagali, Dungagali, Ayubia, Tauhidabad and Changlagali and resting areas for the tourists at five different places were ready for inauguration.

It said that the newly-developed facilities included washrooms, tea spots, barbecue stoves, sitting areas and playing land and food street and flower markets in Nathiagali.

The computerisation of land record management and information system has also been completed and the people will be facilitated in the mutation and registry process, done through biometric system.

It was stated that 26-kilometre roads had been widened along with construction of the protection walls and barriers for safety of the people. The monitoring and evaluation unit has been introduced in the GDA for check and balance measures regarding beautification projects, roads and other development works. It quoted director admin Raza Ali Habib as saying that the composition of GDA was likely to be changed.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2016