The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated a decisive measure against M/s Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd. concerning alleged illegal commercial utilization of public amenity land within the Bahria Enclave Housing Scheme, Zone-IV. This action directly addresses critical CDA land encroachment issues, specifically reported encroachments on designated plots for parks, playgrounds, and open spaces. Such activities fundamentally violate approved planning regulations, demanding a structural intervention to preserve urban public spaces and ensure calibrated development within Islamabad.
Strategic Oversight: Understanding the CDA Land Encroachment Mandate
The underlying framework for this directive traces back to the approved layout plan for Bahria Enclave-I, encompassing 12,543.11 kanals, sanctioned in December 2020. Subsequently, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was granted in April 2022, predicated on explicit terms. Significantly, land reserved for public amenities was formally transferred to the CDA in October 2022 following the scheme’s approval. Consequently, the CDA’s current notice is a direct enforcement of these established legal and planning baselines.
The Translation: Clarifying Public Amenity Land Use
For the average citizen, this technical notice translates directly to the protection of vital community spaces. Public amenity land refers to areas specifically earmarked in urban planning for communal benefit, such as parks, playgrounds, and green zones. These are not commercial assets but rather essential infrastructure for public welfare and recreation. The alleged construction of a marquee and restaurant on a family park and multi-purpose playing field in Sector-A represents a direct diversion from this designated public use, impacting community access and environmental integrity.
The Socio-Economic Impact: Reclaiming Community Resources
This development directly impacts Pakistani citizens across various demographics. For students and children, the preservation of playgrounds ensures safe, accessible spaces for physical activity and social development. Professionals and families in urban settings rely on parks for recreation, relaxation, and fostering community bonds. Unauthorized commercialization of these areas deprives residents of essential public goods, leading to reduced quality of life and potentially increased social disparities. The CDA’s action seeks to restore these critical communal resources, bolstering public welfare and equitable access.
The Forward Path: A Momentum Shift Towards Accountability
This directive signifies a decisive Momentum Shift in urban governance. The CDA’s explicit warning, demanding the removal of alleged violations and restoration of green areas, underscores a commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance. Failure to adhere within seven days may lead to significant enforcement actions, including demolition and cessation of land use, with costs recovered from responsible parties. Furthermore, the offer of a personal hearing demonstrates a balanced, yet firm, administrative approach. This move establishes a precedent for accountability in development projects, reinforcing the structural integrity of urban planning in Pakistan and addressing long-standing CDA land encroachment challenges.
Ensuring Structural Integrity: CDA’s Enforcement Directives
The authority has explicitly stated that such utilization of amenity plots fundamentally contradicts the approved layout plan and violates its established rules. Consequently, the developer has been directed to:
- Remove all alleged violations.
- Restore parks and green areas in alignment with the approved plan.
- Submit a comprehensive compliance report within seven days.
Moreover, a written explanation is required from Bahria Town regarding why legal proceedings under the CDA Ordinance 1960, ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, and the 2023 regulations should not be initiated. The CDA has issued a clear warning: non-compliance within the stipulated timeframe will result in the demolition of illegal structures, cessation of land use through enforcement, potentially utilizing police force. All incurred operational costs will be recovered from the responsible entities. This precision in enforcement ensures the baseline regulations are upheld.
Crucially, relevant CDA departments have received instructions to coordinate enforcement measures. This strategic collaboration is designed to ensure the swift and effective removal of encroachments from land specifically earmarked for public use, thereby safeguarding critical urban infrastructure for future generations and resolving persistent CDA land encroachment issues.
