Islamabad: The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has approved the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report drafted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for the construction of Bhara Kahu Bypass project, according to news published in the leading newspaper on November 25.
The EIA report prepared by the CDA is being presented before Islamabad High Court (IHC) for further approval. The IHC, in the previous hearing, stated that there was no provision in environmental laws regarding ‘conditional approval’ for any project. As per the details, the PAK-EPA approved the EIA report under Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997. The approval was granted on 20 conditions, which the CDA must fulfil. In this regard, the civic agency is required to constitute Environmental Management Committee, which will submit a quarterly compliance report to PAK-EPA and ensure the plantation plan is being implemented.
Moreover, the IHC will resume hearing on the case filed by faculty members of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) against the construction of Bhara Kahu Bypass within the university’s premises. Keeping this in mind, the IHC earlier issued a stay order, which barred the CDA from constructing the portion of the bypass that passed through the QAU land. The CDA stated that this project will provide relief to millions of travellers. The authority has also issued a letter to provide 225 kanals of alternate land to the university.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
