Islamabad: The Islamabad Master Plan 2020-2040 will address the water scarcity issue in the capital city, a news source reported. As per details, the officials concerned presented a revised version of the master plan draft during the last cabinet meeting.
The changes proposed contains solutions and proper mechanisms for tackling the use of water scarcity. Further, the draft details course of action against illegal formulation of buildings and slum areas, non-implementation of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) by-laws, and deforestation.
Citing water supply of 60 MGD against demand of 110 MGD, the Master Plan 2040 includes the following measures against water shortage:
Water conservation strategies
Rain water harvesting
Desilting of Rawal and Simly lakes
Identifying new water reservoirs i.e. Chirrah and Shahdara
Using water line from Tarbela carrying 200 MGD water
Enhancement of open areas by cutting foot-prints area
Formation of new waste transfer stations
Ban on direct disposal in natural streams
Improved sanitation services
New Sewage Treatment Plants for rural areas
The plan discussed the relocation of slum areas in the city. It proposes to shift two at MUSP Farash, and relocation of Kachi Abadi Nurpur Shahan and partial shift of 19 other at MUSP. Meanwhile, the relevant authorities will upgrade the G-8 kachi abadi on site, along with relocation of those in F-6, F-7, and G-7/1-2. Three other slums will also go through relocation.
The commission tasked with the relocation of slum areas sought further deliberation from experts on the relocation plan. Meanwhile, the master plan also comprises of regeneration of the sector G-6.
In terms of construction, the plan has allowed more height but reduction of ground cover. Meanwhile, it imposes height restrictions for constructions in Markaz area, but suggests no such policy for Class-3 shopping areas. The master plan commission has reviewed the by-laws, and formed modalities and procedures for private housing schemes – increasing open and green areas.
The authorities concerned have expanded the master plan to work on mega projects such as constructing link roads in zone 2, 4, and 5. These link roads will be 100-kilometre-long. Furthermore, construction of South-East Bypass, a ring road from Rawat to Barakahu, and increasing row of existing revenue roads to a minimum of 60 feet are also part of the plan.
The Islamabad Master Plan 2040 also proposes tourism promotion initiatives and an improved management system in the city – to be implemented within a time frame of three months. For tourism, the plan aims to preserve historical sites, set up history museums, chairlifts, tourist camping sites, and promote water sports. Under the new management system, the city mayor will have the administrative control of the CDA.
