ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday said it had conducted a survey of 126 agro farms out of which 25 were found to be in violation of the authority’s building bylaws.

“After detailed survey, it was found that 25 of the surveyed agro farms have building violations,” a press release issued by the authority said, adding during the first phase of survey against non-conforming use of agro farms, the CDA conducted survey of 126 farms for verification of conformity and development.

These farms are located in various areas of Islamabad including Park Road, Chak Shahzad, Kahuta Road, Murree Road, Tarlai Kalan and Sehana.

The survey revealed that allottees of these farms were informed about violations through notices regarding non-conformity of land use. Out of these, 15 have submitted their documents which are being examined by the building control section of CDA while the remaining 10 have failed to submit their relevant documents, the press release said, adding violators have been served with final show-cause notices prior to cancellation along with directions to submit their documents within seven days, otherwise action would be initiated according to the bylaws and regulations of CDA.

This swift action from CDA impacted those who, instead of producing agricultural products have built palatial houses on the land in violation of building regulations and they have either requested time to bring their properties in conformity or have complied with the bylaws. CDA survey teams will continue conducting surveys of remaining agro-farms and will be completed within 15 days.

According to the CDA record, there are 539 vegetable, fruit and poultry farms, which were supposed to be used for cultivation of fruits and vegetables to meet needs of residents of the city. But many of these farms have been turned into palatial houses by owners.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2021