Islamabad: Federal Planning Minister Asad Umar on Wednesday (November 03) said that the federal government has put an end to the compulsory land acquisition in the capital territory under the CDA Act 1960, news sources reported. After the decision, CDA will not be able to use the compulsory land acquisition regime to get land from locals at low rates.
As per the details, the new decision would affect the development of eight planned sectors of D-14, D-15, E-14, E-15, H-13, H-14, H-15 and H-17, all of which falls in unacquired I-Zone. Since its foundation in 1960, CDA has developed 24 sectors and bought land for seven new sectors in 2008-09, but has failed to grant built-up property (BuP) awards for the said sectors, thereby preventing any development activities. The cabinet instructed CDA to grant awards to complete development work in Sectors D-13, E-13, F-13, C-13, C-16, I-17, and H-16. Following the decision, the CDA will pay land affectees market rates for land. In addition, a special committee chaired by a retired judge will be formed to hear the appeals of land acquisition plaintiffs and make a decision within 90 days.
Similarly, the cabinet also asked CDA to enforce its bylaws in Zone-I’s eight sectors to halt mushroom growth of illegal housing schemes. It is important to note that the CDA and the Federal Government Employee Housing Authority (FGEHA) had previously purchased properties from residents at very low prices, and then developed and sold them at much higher prices. The proposed modifications to the CDA Act of 1960 would put a stop to this practice.
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