ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has directed Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ask Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force to remove encroachments immediately. The Cabinet Division deals with CDA's administrative affairs and will update the cabinet on this issue today.
On August 11, 2020, during a discussion, on presentation regarding the status of encroachments on the Margalla Road, Islamabad, the Cabinet gave this direction in its meeting July 28, 2020.
The cabinet was informed that Pak Navy's "violations" in Sector E-8 were as follows: (i) Service Roads North, South and East have been occupied by Pakistan Navy; (ii) Amendments in the lay-out of Sector E-8 by Pakistan Navy without seeking CDA approval, e.g., Establishment of Bahria University; (iii) Building plans of individual buildings within the Sector have not been approved by CDA; and (iv) developed Golf-Club in the North of Sector E-8 occupying CDA land "illegally".
Alleged violations in Sector E-9 include: (i) Service Roads North, South and East have been illegally occupied by Pakistan Air force; (ii) amendments in the lay-out of Sector E-9 by Pakistan Air Force without seeking CDA approval, e.g., establishment of Air University, PAF Hospital, PAFSOM Arena, etc; (iii) building plans of individual buildings within the sector have not been approved by CDA; and (iv) construction and development In the North of E-9, without CDA approval.
Recent survey reveals that 108 buildings of public sector departments were constructed in violation of rules including IESCO, schools/colleges, etc.
The cabinet members observed selective enforcement of CDA laws/rules and stressed on across the board action against the encroachments and violations. Minister for Human Rights drew attention to the cars of Bahria University's students, parked on the Margalla Road, which severely affects the flow of traffic. She also emphasized on the need to immediately demolish the illegal structures erected on service Roads North, South and East in E-8 and E-9 by the Navy and Air Force.
On affirmation to his query as to whether the Navy Golf Course was built in "violation" of Zone-3, the Prime Minister stated that Hills National Park , which carried unique properties for conservation of Margalla biodiversity, should be ensured at all cost and no infringements should be allowed. A member noted that a restaurant, which was in "violation" of Zone-3, had reopened. The Prime Minister directed Chairman CDA to immediately take cognizance of the matter and in case of any violation criminal proceedings should be instituted against the owners.
Absence of an effective deterrent against encroachments was highlighted. It was opined that without heavy punitive measures, the problem of encroachments could not be addressed decisively. An amendment in the removal of Encroachment Act to include heavy fines, besides demolition of illegal structures, was, therefore, suggested.
Alluding to the convenience of food carts in busy commercial areas of cities the Prime Minister directed Chairman CDA to allow these in Blue Area. This would provide livelihood to the poor besides accessibility to inexpensive street food for the workers and visitors to the area.
Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives expressed concern over failure to address the problem of essential services for residents of Islamabad, despite his repeated interjections. He exhorted that the issues of electricity/gas meters, water supply, sewerage lines, street lights etc. should be attended to without delay.
After detailed discussions, the cabinet decided to:(i) issue notices to Navy and Air Force Headquarters to remove encroachments on the roads and the Margalla Hills National Park, and to report the status to the Cabinet in the next meeting ;(ii) immediately take cognizance of the matter pertaining to Monal restaurant, and in case of any violation, required legal proceedings should be Initiated against the owners;(iii) contemplate allowing food carts in the Blue Area to provide livelihood to the poor which could provide accessibility to inexpensive street food for the workers and visitors to the commercial area. The entire activity would be regulated by the CDA so that it does not create a nuisance for the other residents of the Capital.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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