ISLAMABAD, Jan 21: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has started handing over of plots to the dwellers of Muslim Colony in Alipur Farash.

A senior CDA official told Dawn that the inhabitants of Muslim Colony had been reminded that the last date for receipt of applications was January 31. The date will not be extended, he added.

He said the application forms should be submitted with the down payment of Rs8,000 before the last date.

However, the majority of Muslim Colony’s residents were reluctant to shift to Alipur Farash due to non-availability of civic facilities in the new colony.

Earlier, September 15, 2001 was the last date of submitting applications for seeking plots at Alipur Farash. But, only 700 people applied against 1,500 plots allocated for the inhabitants of Muslim Colony.

The official said the layout plan of the project had been divided into three sections to accommodate Kutcha Abadis of Muslim Colony, Essa Nagri I-9/1, Dhoke Najju I-10/4 and Haq Bahu I-11/4.

He said in the first phase, the residents of Muslim Colony would be rehabilitated in a portion of section-II of the project. So far, 177 residents of Muslim Colony have deposited the down payment alongwith the applications for seeking a three marla plot, he added.

Meanwhile, the CDA chairman directed the directorates concerned of the Authority to complete work so that shifting of the first batch, after necessary balloting of plot, could be made at the earliest.

On the other hand, the inhabitants of Muslim Colony complained that the issue of provision of electricity in the new colony had not been resolved so far as Wapda had not agreed to supply power on reduced rates to the residents of the new colony.

However, the CDA had assured them that power would be supplied on reduced rates at Alipur Farash.