ISLAMABAD: During the ongoing campaign against encroachers, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has retrieved more than 400 kanals of state land.

Moreover, in the eight kilometre stretch from Soan to T-Chowk (Islamabad-Rawalpindi road), all right of way of the National Highway Authority (NHA) has been cleared, including hundreds of permanent and temporary structures.

On the directions of CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, all possible efforts were being put in place to curb the menace of illegal land occupation in the last one month.

Major operations aimed to retrieve state land have been conducted, including Sangjani, I-12 and Tarnol petrol pumps. These operations were carried out with the assistance of CDA’s deputy commissioner.

Right of way from Soan to T-Chowk cleared

Talking to Dawn, Deputy Director General (DDG) Enforcement CDA Mohammad Asif Rahim said land record was perused and illegal occupation was identified by the revenue staff of the civic body, which was later dismantled by the Enforcement Directorate as a policy without any favour to anyone.

“Likewise, notices have been issued by the CDA’s revenue staff to illegal occupants of I-14 as well. The retrieved areas will be developed as part of the master plan and in line with the vision of the CDA chairman,” he added.

“Similarly, in the eight-kilometre stretch from Soan to T-Chowk, all right of way of the NHA has been cleared under the supervision of the assistant commissioner, police and on the demarcation of the NHA,” Mr Rahim said.

“The retrieved land has been handed over to the NHA for maintenance of possession in future. The said Potohar Avenue will be beautified as per landscape plan approved by the CDA chairman and as per directions of the interior ministry,” he added.

“Similarly, for sectors where Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has issued licences to commercial areas, open spaces, fronts of shops and temporary points in Markaz, watch and ward teams under the superintendence of the DMA continues to maintain vigilance as per record of NOCs.

“During Eid, watch and ward teams of the Enforcement Directorate continued to remove mobile encroachments on main roads like Kashmir Highway, Margalla Road and Expressway to help maintain free flow of traffic. The idea is to make Islamabad an encroachment-free district,” he said.

Replying to a question, the DDG Enforcement said it would be made ensured that the retrieved land would was not encroached again in future.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2024