ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is planning to seal most of the city’s wedding marquees, saying that these establishments are operating in violation of rules and regulations.

There are 77 marquees in Islamabad, according to the CDA, and only one holds a no-objection certificate Another’s case is in its final stages, while the remaining 75 are unauthorised.

These marquees operate in E-11, Bhara Kahu, Banigala, along Kashmir Highway, G.T. Road, Murree Road, the Expressway, Lehtrar Road and Park Road, among other areas. Wedding marquees and halls have become a popular business over the last decade, during which time these establishments have spread across the capital.

75 out of capital’s 77 marquees operating without NOCs, 45 issued final notices on Wednesday

The CDA’s building control section has started the process of issuing final notices to marquee owners, telling them to shut down their businesses or face action by the authority. It issued notices to 45 people on Wednesday, and the rest will be served in the next few days.

The notice reads: “You were directed to get your establishment of marquee regularized and public notices were also issued. However, no response from your side has been made even after one year. Now, through this notice you are directed to remove the marquee without any delay.”

If they do not comply, the notice said, owners will face action under section 49-C of the CDA Ordinance, which may result in the demolition of the structure “at your own risk and cost”.

Director Building Control Faisal Naeem said they began the process to regularise marquees on directions from the Supreme Court “but now despite issuing notices operators of marquees did not get their establishments regularised”.

“Now we have no open left but to start proceedings against these marquees and today we issued 45 final notices,” he said. He added that some marquee owners have obtained court stays and will not be issued notices until the stays are vacated.

The CDA approved regulations for wedding halls and marquees last year. The board decided that halls must be spread over 2,000 sq yards with 50pc covered ground, and will be allowed two storey. Marquees were also allowed 2,000 sq yards, and both should have one parking space for every 250 sq ft of covered area.

Read: CDA approves regulations for wedding halls, marquees

Wedding halls and marquees are bound by fire and safety regulations included in Pakistan’s building code, and structural designs must be prepared and vetted by licensed professional engineers in accordance with the applicable building code.

These regulations were finalised after the authority was reprimanded by the SC during a case regarding unauthorised marquees and wedding halls.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2019