ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has sought details from Capital Development Authority (CDA) about cases in Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court regarding non-conforming use of residential and agricultural plots, allocation of plots for educational institutions and high-rise buildings in sectors.

The non-conforming use of agricultural land is one of the major issues in Islamabad, as large numbers of such plots are being used for palatial houses instead of agro farming - the main purpose of allotment of land.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly is also going to take up a calling attention notice moved by three female lawmakers of the ruling PTI on Friday. PTI MNAs Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak, Munawara Bibi Baloch and Uzma Riaz invited attention of the Minister for Interior “to a matter of urgent public importance regarding use of farm houses in Islamabad for residential purposes instead of farming, causing grave concern amongst the public.”

It is relevant to note here that the majority of those who were allotted or leased out 539 vegetable, fruit and poultry farms against nominal prices for cultivation, sold their plots.

NAB’s Awareness and Prevention Division issued a letter to the civic agency seeking details of court cases regarding non-conforming use of residential and agricultural plots, high rise buildings in CDA sectors and allocation of plots for educational institutions.

NAB through a letter dated April 7 asked CDA: “You are requested to provide the present status/progress of the matters subjudice before the IHC and Supreme Court.” CDA officialsDawnspoke to said that the said information will be provided to NAB in due course of time.

The alleged misuse of agro plots is a chronic issue and CDA in February this year, after a survey, started issuing notices. Sources said during the last two months, 130 people, who were allotted plots, had been issued notices against unauthorised construction.

In February this year, the CDA published a public notice, warning violators to bring the agro farm houses in conformity use and remove unauthorised construction. “The process of issuing notices is underway, some objections were raised but we are removing their objections and soon action will be started against those who violated terms and conditions of allotments,” said an officer of CDA.

Many times in the past, announcements were made about initiation of action against violators of agro-farm scheme but to no avail. It is yet to be seen whether the new decision will be implemented. According to the CDA record, there are 539 vegetable, fruit and poultry farms, which are supposed to cultivate fruits and vegetables to meet the needs of residents of the city.

But these farms have been turned into palatial houses by the owners. Sources said 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.

hey said that initially in the 70s when CDA started allotting farmhouses, the allowed covered area was 2,500 sq ft but with the passage of time, CDA kept increasing the size and currently 9,500 sq ft covered area is legally allowed with additional 3,000 sq ft with fine.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2021