ISLAMABAD: City managers on Friday decided to take action against owners of agro-farms who instead of producing agricultural products have built palatial houses on the land allotted to them.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on many occasions in the past made announcements to start action against violators of agro-farm scheme but could not translate the announcements into reality. It is yet to be seen if the latest decision will be implemented or not.According to CDA record, the 539 vegetable, fruit and poultry farms were supposed to cultivate fruits and vegetables to meet the need of the residents of the city. But these farms have been turned into palatial houses by the owners.

These forms are located in various areas such as Park Road Chak Shahzad, Kahuta Road, Murree Road, Tarlai Kalan, Sehana and in H-9.

On Friday, the CDA again announced that it has completed preparations for a mega operation against agro-farms. In the first phase, more than 80 owners of agro-farms have been served with notices.The owners have been directed either to demolish the illegal constructions or regularise them within 15 days, said a press release issued by the CDA on Friday. These owners are only those who have made excessive constructions.

Sources said the leaseholders were permitted 9,500 sq ft covered area (for houses) with additional 3,000 sq ft with a fine. But the owners have shown little interest in cultivation, the main reason these farmlands were allotted on nominal prices.

More than 80 owners served notices

Initially in the 70s when CDA started allotting farmhouses, the allowed covered area was 2,500 sq ft. But with the passage of time, the CDA kept increasing the size and currently 9,500 sq ft covered area is legally allowed.

The sources said majority of original allottees had already sold out the agro-farms to elite class of the country who have been paying no heed to fulfill the requirements of the residents of Islamabad by providing them fresh vegetables, fruits and poultry products.

The press release said in 80 farmhouses have been constructed beyond the approved limit of 9,500 square feet.

Meanwhile, through a public notice the CDA stated: “It has also been noticed that most of the owners of such farms are not using the same for the purpose these farms are meant for i.e. agro farming in violation of the terms and conditions of the allotment. As a result of these violations, the purpose of the agro farming schemes is not being achieved. Now, the authority has decided to take action against all those owners of agro-farms who have failed to comply with terms and conditions of allotments and regulations of the CDA.”

The CDA directed all non-compliant farms and land owners in agro-farming schemes to demolish the area constructed in excess of 9,500 or get the covered area regularised (9,501 sq ft - 12,500 sq ft) by paying prescribed charges and demolish any area beyond 12,500 sq ft. And also bring the farms to conformity use by farming as per conditions of the allotment.

The CDA said the Supreme Court had also given directions in this regard.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2021