ISLAMABAD: Though the city’s managers have launched a half-hearted campaign to move commercial activities out of residential areas, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has yet to make the allottees utilise the 36 plots meant for hotels and restaurants.

A new survey conducted by the Building Control Directorate of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), available with Dawn, says there are six plots- three each for hotels and restaurants- that are vacant in I-8, I-9 and I-10 whereas 10 plots for hotels and restaurants are vacant in the city’s F and E series and 17 in the G series from G-6 to G-10.

According to the survey, the plots set aside for hotels and restaurants in the G series are being used for other commercial purposes. A plot allocated for a tea house is being used for a commercial market and a plot in G-7 is being rented. An academy and shops are being run on three plots in G-9.

Those allotted plots are bound to construct relevant facilities in specific time

Similarly, a hotel plot in G-10 is being used as property dealers’ offices and several plots are vacant.

“The new survey pointed out several plots allotted for hotels and restaurants which are lying vacant. Those who were allotted the plots are bound to construct the said facility within a certain period. After checking the record, we will take action against those who were allotted the plots,” said Director Building Control Faisal Naeem.

“We have also decided to seal all the buildings which come under non-conforming use on these plots during the upcoming campaign,” he said.

In 2015, the Supreme Court had directed the CDA to remove all commercial activities from residential areas. The CDA sealed a large number of commercial outlets including restaurants but the issue of guest houses is pending still.

CDA has been carrying out a campaign to move them out of residential areas and has sealed a large number of hostels. However, the civic agency abruptly halted its campaign, saying that guest house owners have filed an appeal in SC.

When asked, about the guest house business in residential areas, Mr Naeem said that as per CDA’s regulations, guest houses could not be operated in residential areas. “But, the matter is in Supreme Court, and after consulting the legal department, we can start a campaign against them,” he said.

The survey also pointed out over a dozen plots meant for clinics, hospitals and dispensaries. These plots have also not been utilised for the purpose they had been allotted for.

It also pointed out that six plots were orignally allotted in Diplomatic Enclave for clinics but all of them are being used for residential purposes.

Published in Dawn, March 24th, 2018