ISLAMABAD: In compliance with the directions of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has dismantled 132 fresh major constructions and houses during the last three months, according to a statement.

The operation was conducted under the provisions of the Islamabad Preservation of Landscape Ordinance, 1966 and the Islamabad Master Plan. The CDA said assistance was provided to the key directorates responsible for Zone III i.e. Environment Directorate and Urban Planning. This zone includes Talhar, Gokina, Bhara Kahu, and Shadara.

Similarly, assistance was provided to the Building Control Section (BCS) in sealing around 80 buildings for violations of building control regulations.

In a meeting chaired by Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, it was also agreed to enhance surveillance and vigilance in Zone III by activating almost 200 guards, foresters, gardeners and range officers of the Environment Directorate to preserve the area.

Proposal to impose Section 144 floated to curb encroachments in Zone III

Similarly, a proposal to impose Section 144 is also under consideration to curb fresh constructions in these areas as a deterrent and augmenting measure in light of directives of the interior ministry.

The CDA said support had been given to the Environment Directorate for the retrieval of green belts’ land from various entities across Club Road and work was underway to ensure the development of green belts in the retrieved areas.

“This will help CDA achieve its revenue targets... Around 150 kanal of land in total has been retrieved in July and August in…almost 180 operations in Bari Imam, G-8/1, New Mal Kuri, I-8/2, I-9/4, Bhara Kahu Bypass (Jhuggi Stop), Mufti Town Lehtrar Road, Bhekha Syedan, F-10/2, I-12, Jhangi Syedan on GT Road, and E-12/4,” a statement claimed.

“These operations are carried out without any favour to anyone under magisterial cover and observation of the district administration. The marakaz in sectors are under strict surveillance. Live and daily updates about activities are shared with the chairman CDA as part of enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in performance. There is zero tolerance on suboptimal performance or malpractices,” it stated.

It is further informed that fencing of retrieved lands was also being done to protect the state land from recurring encroachments.

Similarly, all main roads and highways, including Potohar Avenue, Iran Avenue, Park Road, and Expressway, were being patrolled on a daily basis to prevent “mobile encroachments”.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2024