| Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is ramping up efforts to combat encroachments in the federal capital by proposing strict measures, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against repeat offenders.
During a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa at the CDA headquarters on Monday, city managers expressed concerns over widespread encroachments in markets and public spaces. The meeting was attended by key officials from the planning and estate departments.
Chairman Randhawa directed officials to develop a robust mechanism to ensure cleared land remains free of encroachments. He emphasized the need for coordinated operations involving multiple departments to prevent the issue from resurfacing.
Read: CDA high-tech campaign to combat encroachments in Capital
Encroachments have taken over almost all major markets in Islamabad. Verandas, public spaces, and roads are occupied by stalls, shopkeepers, and motor mechanics, creating significant inconvenience for pedestrians and motorists. Areas such as Khadda Market and Sitara Market in G-7 are among the worst affected, where even basic pedestrian movement is hindered.
Officials highlighted the shortcomings of the current enforcement approach, which involves random operations in various areas without a sustained focus. “Instead of random actions, a sector-wise campaign should be initiated to comprehensively clear all markets, starting from sector G-7, where the civic agency’s own headquarters is located,” an official suggested.
The meeting also discussed the use of geo-spatial technology to address encroachments and manage urban sprawl. Recent surveys, conducted with support from Suparco’s satellite imagery and drones, have provided real-time data to identify encroachments.
The CDA chairman emphasized adopting a centralized planning approach and leveraging advanced surveillance tools to enhance monitoring. He directed officials to devise standard operating procedures (SOPs) with clear timelines to streamline anti-encroachment efforts.
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To deter habitual offenders, the CDA is advocating for the registration of FIRs against individuals involved in repeated encroachments. This move aims to enforce accountability and ensure that cleared spaces are not reoccupied.
The CDA’s geo-spatial wing, established for digitizing urban planning processes, has been tasked with expanding its scope and delivering actionable results to address encroachment and urban planning challenges.
By combining stringent legal measures with cutting-edge technology, the CDA aims to bring lasting solutions to Islamabad’s encroachment crisis, reclaiming public spaces for the city’s residents. |
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