Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) will now allow the construction of buildings of up to 1,000 feet in height in various sectors, news sources reported on October 7. In this regard, CDA will formulate new regulations in consultation with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The decision was made in light of an aeronautical study conducted by the CDA and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the Blue Area, which encompassed Sectors G-6, F-6, F-17, E-17, F-10, and E-10. The Blue Area’s safe height restriction will be set at 1,000 feet. The localities outside the Blue Area will only be allowed to have a maximum height of 450 feet due to their proximity to the Islamabad International Airport. The research also advises that standard obstacle illumination be installed on the proposed buildings [from G-6 to F10] in accordance with the Civil Aviation Aerodromes (Design and Operations) Regulation. Compliance must be ensured by the CDA. Additionally, the research recommended that the following steps be adhered to before a clearance certificate is issued:
To prevent birds from being attracted, garbage and debris must always be stored in covered containers and under suitable waste management procedures
The CAA would not take responsibility for any loss, damage, inconvenience, or other claim made by another entity that was brought about by noise or other aviation-related activity
It is forbidden to operate any light that might blind pilots of aircraft using that airfield to take off and land, or that could be mistaken for an aeronautical ground light
The CDA will make sure that the buildings have anti-glare and non-reflective glass installed
High-rise building completion certificates must be presented to the CDA
The CDA must make sure that the CAA has access to site documents, and records as and when needed.
If the requirements of the aeronautical study are not met, enforcement action will be taken
This aeronautical study’s classification of the region for high-rise buildings is only valid for flight safety considerations; it does not include the no-objection certifications (NOC) necessary from other organizations and agencies
It must be noted that this study and its recommendations are among the first with regard to safe height and development restrictions in the country’s capital. Before that, CDA allowed a floor area ratio of 1:10 for plots greater than 5,000 square yards within Blue Area of Islamabad.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
