ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cleared long-standing encroachments from around 36.5 acres of land in Sector I-15, paving the way for the planned development of about 500 plots nearly two decades after the sector was launched in 2005.
The operation in Sub-Sector I-15/1 involved the removal of more than 300 houses, cattle sheds and havelis in Sheikhpur village, which had obstructed the development of the sector according to its approved plan.
According to the CDA, the cleared land accounts for approximately one-fourth of the sector and includes residential plots as well as commercial plots previously occupied by encroachments.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Director General (Enforcement) Dr Anum Fatima following nearly two months of sustained efforts.
A significant number of the affected allottees are retired government employees whose investments have remained tied up for years. The clearance is expected to facilitate further development and pave the way for the eventual handover of plots to their lawful allottees.
The matter was brought to CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf’s attention during an open forum, following which the authority’s Enforcement Directorate was directed to take action against the encroachments and retrieve the land.
The CDA has directed its Planning Wing to initiate planning and development work in the cleared area on an urgent basis to expedite the process of handing over possession to the allottees.
However, the authority said the land clearance was an initial step and that formal possession would be handed over after the necessary planning, development work and legal and administrative formalities were completed.
The authority said it remained committed to protecting the rights of lawful allottees, retrieving public land from encroachers and accelerating development in residential sectors in accordance with approved plans and relevant regulations.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
