Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has cleared an eight-kilometre stretch of the Islamabad-Rawalpindi road from Soan to T-Chowk of all permanent and temporary structures encroaching on the National Highway Authority (NHA) right of way, as reported by a news source on June 25.
According to the news details, CDA has reclaimed over 400 kanals of state land in a campaign against encroachers. Under the directives of CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, extensive efforts have been made over the past month to combat illegal land occupation. Major operations have been conducted in areas such as Sangjani, I-12, and Tarnol petrol pumps with the support of the CDA’s deputy commissioner. Deputy Director General (DDG) Enforcement CDA Mohammad Asif Rahim explained that the CDA’s revenue staff identified illegal occupations, which were then dismantled by the Enforcement Directorate without any bias. Notices have also been issued to illegal occupants in I-14, and the reclaimed areas will be developed according to the CDA’s master plan.
The cleared land from Soan to T-Chowk has been handed over to the NHA for future maintenance. The Potohar Avenue area will be beautified according to a landscape plan approved by the CDA chairman and directed by the interior ministry. For commercial areas and open spaces where the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has issued licenses, vigilance is maintained by watch and ward teams. These teams also worked during Eid to remove mobile encroachments on main roads like Kashmir Highway, Margalla Road, and Expressway to ensure a smooth flow of traffic. The goal is to make Islamabad an encroachment-free district.
