ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) issued notices to nine unauthorised housing schemes this week.

An official said a drive had been started on the directive of CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed and action would be taken against all illegal housing schemes. He said during the last four days nine illegal housing schemes had been served with notices. The operators of these societies have been asked to immediately stop construction work otherwise CDA will not only register cases but will also carry out operations against them.

The officer said Downtown Residencia, Canyon Views Rawat Enclave, Rawat HS, Ayesha Town, Aiza Garden, Taj Seventeen West, Margalla View, Jamal Akbar Colony and Islamabad Cooperative Farming Scheme had been served notices. He said after completion of the notice period, practical action will be started against the societies from Monday.

In Islamabad, there are over 100 legal and illegal housing schemes and most of these have sold reserved areas such as greenbelts, parks, mosque and school land.

During the last many years, CDA’s role remained very questionable as it did not take timely action and kept itself restricted only to issuing notices.

On the other hand, the illegal housing schemes kept growing and their operators sold out plots to citizens without any serious hurdles. And now, just because of the negligence of the CDA, which did not practically stop the growth of the illegal housing schemes, citizens are suffering as the CDA has asked utility companies not to issue new connections in the illegal housing schemes.

This action has caused hardship for the citizens, not the operators of the housing schemes.

An officer of the CDA said during the last two decades, CDA’s approach towards housing schemes remained ‘soft’ that resulted in mushroom growth of unauthorised housing scheme.

He said Ghouri Town showed how the CDA failed to control illegal housing schemes, adding Ghouri Town is one of the largest illegal housing schemes comprising eight phases with thousands of housing units, but the CDA failed to stop its growth.

But now residents of this scheme like those living in other illegal schemes are facing issues in getting utility connections.

However, an officer of the housing directorate said that he was not responsible for the past performance of CDA.

“The incumbent management is very clear; we are regularly taking action against illegal housing schemes and will not allow growth of any such schemes. During the last few days, we issued nine notices and will take action as well in the light of these notices,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2021