ISLAMABAD: Apparently due to sheer negligence, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has failed to get possession of more than 700 developed plots from Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in lieu of the civic agency’s land which was handed over to DHA some 14 years ago.

The CDA and DHA in 2007 signed an agreement, under which the CDA handed over 1,500 kanals of Zone 5 to DHA and it was decided that in return the DHA would give 727 developed plots to CDA.

However, so far, the CDA has failed to get its plots worth almost around Rs7bn.

The CDA had purchased/acquired the land under two awards announced in 1961 and 1964 for its own use, but all of a sudden, the civic agency in 2007 decided to hand over the land to DHA for getting developed plots. As per its earlier announcement, the CDA [whenever will get possession from DHA] will auction the plots to generate funds to be utilised on the development works in the city.

On the other hand, the civic agency every year in its budget, showed the said plots as its receivable assets. Sources in CDA said that occasionally, the matter came under discussion but due to unknown reasons, there is no tangible progress.

Civic agency handed over 1,500 kanals to DHA in return for 727 developed plots

They said that in latest development, in June this year, CDA formed a four-member committee to visit the DHA and prepare a report.

The sources said that though during the visit no official of DHA was present, representatives of a private company were present on behalf of the DHA.

According to visit report compiled by CDA officials, the officials of the company, briefed the CDA about the three sites, where plots could be given to CDA. The report said that Village Humak, came under discussion but the land in this village already belonged to CDA and in the vicinity of Model Town.

The visiting team was also given briefing on Sihala, where CDA’s report said that land was without possession and cultivation was done by the locals on the site. Similarly, the site of Niazian Dadocha also came under discussion and according to CDA, this land is located adjacent to Dodocha Dam site, hence not clear.

The CDA’s 2019-20 budget document, which pointed out revenue generation proposals, stated that: “According to agreement between CDA and DHA, about 700 plots of different sizes are to be made available to CDA by DHA. Concrete steps are required to be taken by concerned formations to materialise the same the earliest.”

CDA officials Dawn spoke to said that the civic agency will have to pay Rs120 million as a transfer fee to obtain the said plots, – which have a value of more than Rs6 to 7 billions.

CDA spokesperson Syed Asif Raza when contacted and asked about CDA’s failure in getting possession of the over 720 plots from DHA, he said: “ I will get back to you after getting complete details from concerned officers,” he said, however, he could not provide required information till the filing of this report.

Published in Dawn, September 26th, 2022