ISLAMABAD: The city managers have decided to start development work in Sector C-16, which is located in the foothills of the Margallas along the newly-constructed Margalla Avenue, and also launched an anti-encroachment drive in the sector.

“The revised layout plan of this sector was approved last week by the CDA board. After completing some formalities, we will invite tenders for development work in this sector,” said Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Noorul Amin Mengal.

Speaking to Dawn on Tuesday, the CDA chief said that there were some issues pertaining to planning and survey in the said sector, which have been settled by the civic body.

“We have already published pre-qualification notice for the construction firms, so now there is no hurdle to start the development work,” he said and added that the engineering wing had prepared a complete timeline for the development of C-16.

Civic body removes ‘illegal settlement’ in anti-encroachment drive

According to CDA officials, the sector has around 2500 residential plots, a ‘markaz’, and class-III shopping centres. Asked about CDA’s lethargic attitude towards sector development, Mr Mengal said that he would ensure the timely completion of ongoing development work in various residential sectors, including C-16.

Anti-encroachment operation

Meanwhile, the enforcement wing of the CDA conducted an anti-encroachment operation in C-16 and removed an “illegal Afghan settlement”. “Enforcement Wing and the Land Directorate conducted a full-scale operation to eliminate Afghan settlements and illegal constructions in Sector C-16 to keep Islamabad free from encroachments and illegal constructions,” said a press release issued by CDA.

It is relevant to note here that Sector E-12 was launched in 1989, but the CDA failed to develop it despite the passage of decades. A few years ago, the civic agency started the development work, but subsequently, it was slowed down. Meanwhile, development work is in progress in sectors I-12, C-14 and C-15.

On the other hand, Sector I-15 is near completion: once completed this sector will be the first developed sector after D-12, which was developed over a decade ago. This sector has 10,289 plots of various sizes, mainly for low-income groups.

The CDA officials said that sectors C-13, C-14, C-15, and C-16, which are located along Margalla Avenue will have significant commercial potential for the civic agency. They said Sector C-13, which is the smallest sector of a few hundred kanal, should also be started at the earliest.

In addition to said sectors, there are several other sectors acquired by the CDA. However, the civic body has failed to get possession of the land in these areas. The sector, F-13, D-13, E-13, C-14, H-16, and I-17, were acquired by the civic agency in 2007-8, but the CDA did not announce the award of built-up property (compensation related to constructed houses). This negligence resulted in an increase in houses on the land even though it had been acquired by the CDA.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2023