Evacuation of land: CDA decides to launch massive operation

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to launch a massive operation to evacuate its land and has demanded support from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration and Islamabad Police in order to make this operation a success.
The decision to launch operation was taken in a meeting held on Monday with Chairman CDA, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi in the chair while Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Tariq Pirzada, senior officers of ICT Administration, Islamabad Police and other concerned departments also participated.
A Co-ordination Committee consisting of the representatives of CDA, ICT Administration and Islamabad Police was constituted to monitor the development regarding evacuation and recovery of land from illegal occupation. During the meeting Chairman CDA, Imtiaz Inayat Elahi apprised the participants that the land was acquired in 1960s. With the passage of time people started to encroach and built property on CDA land, he added.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed CDA to get the land vacated and start development work, the CDA chief said, adding that after apex court orders the CDA evacuated 300 kanals of land in Malpur area in addition to vast stretches of land in other areas of the federal Capital.
Elahi also informed the meeting that the operation was being conducted on regular basis in this regard, especially, clearing the right of way along Kashmir Highway. He said that a comprehensive strategy in this regard has been prepared to get the remaining land vacated.
He said that the media would be taken on board. He said that public notice has been published in the national media warning the encroachers to vacate the CDA land within 7 days. He said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan was being apprised on regular basis in this regard.
He said that CDA was reinforcing its Enforcement Directorate to execute the operation. He said that a system of awards was being formulated to acknowledge the efforts of the officers and officials participating in the operation. Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Tariq Pirzada assured the full support of ICT administration to CDA for evacuation of the land illegally occupied by people.
A special team would monitor the areas to facilitate the staff, Pirzada said, adding that the support of the locals should also be sought in addition to taking the media on board on the issue. He said that all out efforts would be made to get the land vacated. The representative of Islamabad Police also assured full co-operation in the operation saying that police would be fully participating in the operation as and when required.