Proposals on revision of Islamabad master plan submitted

A London-based consultant firm, Mott McDonald Pakistan (MMP), has submitted technical proposals to the Capital Development Authority for planned revision of Islamabad master plan, CDA sources said on Tuesday.
The firm will also give a presentation to the CDA board this week, the sources said. "The proposals take into account views of public representatives, residents, representatives of professional bodies, co-operative societies, welfare societies, NGOs, planners and others," a CDA official said.
The CDA contracted the MMP early this year to suggest measures to revise the master plan that was drawn up over four decades. The firm was also commissioned to prepare a master plan for Zone IV of the federal capital. "The master plan is being revised to meet new requirements and civic trends," the official said. Regarding Zone-IV the consultant has made proposals on whether and how the existing orchards and farms in the area should be expanded while protecting drinking water sources and environment.
The CDA board will examine the consultant's proposals on reshaping the Islamabad master plan and forward these to the federal cabinet for final approval.
The revised master plan will form the basis for undertaking new projects in the federal territory, such as construction of inter-changes, under-passes and flyovers and provision of enhanced water supply to cope with the needs of the capital's growing population.
Islamabad's population is increasing at a rate slightly over 6 percent annually. The water requirement in the capital is expected to increase from current 75 million gallon per day to 230 million gallon per day by 2030.
The CDA board has already turned down a proposal to build six small dams because of technical reasons. It plans to lay a 60-mile water pipeline connecting Tarbela with the capital. Feasibility report on the pipeline project is due to be submitted by another consultant hired by the CDA after which the work would be initiated. The project will be completed in 18 months.
In the revised master plan, sites will be earmarked for use in an emergency for setting up tent villages and field hospitals. "We will thus have proper places where relief facilities can be provided in times of need," the CDA official said.