- Area includes Bani Gala, Lakhwal, Shah Allah Ditta and Kot Hathial where massive construction projects have already been completed
ISLAMABAD: After being indifferent for many decades, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally awaken from its slumber and issued a notice for the general public warning them to abstain from any kind of private and public construction in Zone III of Islamabad.
According to the notice, the public at large was informed in their own interest that any construction on personal land of any kind whether private or commercial in ZONE-III areas including Bani Gala, Lakhwaal, Kot Hathyal, Noor Pur Shahab, Shah Allah Ditta and others is illegal and a punishable offence.
The civic agency also warned the developers involved in construction of illegal buildings to stop such illegal construction immediately and avoid further work on the projects.
‘Legal action will be taken in case of non compliance,’ says the notice.
Moreover in light of decisions of the federal cabinet and apex courts, IESCO (Islamabad Electric Supply Company) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines have also been advised not to grant domestic or commercial utility connections without approval of the CDA.
It is pertinent to mention that the notice also warns that in case of any lapse strict legal action would be taken against those involved in development works in these areas.
Back in November, 2016 in order to preserve the natural flora and fauna of Margalla Hills National Park and demarcation of land in the adjoining areas, the then chairman of CDA Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz had constituted a 10 member committee comprising officials from ICT (Islamabad Capital Territory) Administration, CDA, Survey of Pakistan and Punjab Forest Department. Till date the progress of the committee remains elusive.
Recently, many disputes came to fore about ownership and possession of adjacent land of Margalla Hills National Park by multiple stakeholders including multiple housing authorities, Rawalpindi Development Authority, Punjab Forest Department, ICT Administration, CDA and other private owners.
The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) last year in its meetings did manage to pass four resolutions, one of which aimed at devising a mechanism to allow construction activities in zone-II and zone-III of the capital by amending ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, similar to how it had been amended for Zone-IV in 2010.
Although the resolution was passed, no further legislation was made due to political turmoil and lack of coordination among treasury and opposition benches at the MCI.
Margalla Hills National Park came into existence back in 1980, under the Wildlife Ordinance. It is located in Zone-3 of Islamabad, one of total 5 zones Capital is divided into. There had been reports in the past of limestone crushing activities on the western side, despite the ban.
