ISLAMABAD:
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) board has approved in principle a major zoning reform proposal to expand environmental protection around the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), including the acquisition of private land and a ban on further construction in several adjacent areas.
According to the decision, the unacquired settlements of Shahdara, Talhar and Gokina, located on the outskirts of the national park, will be incorporated into the proposed new Zone 3A.
The CDA also decided to acquire land in these areas and prohibit any further development or construction pending the implementation of the revised zoning framework.
According to official documents available to The Express PK Press Club, the CDA Board of Directors approved in principle the amendments to the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, relating to Zone 3, and constituted a six-member high-level committee to finalize the recommendations. The committee’s proposals will then be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet for final approval.
Under the proposed restructuring, the area already notified as Margalla Hills National Park will continue to be designated as Zone 3.
The documents further reveal that the land between Margalla Hills National Park and residential areas, extending north from Margalla Avenue to Sector C-16, will be zoned 1A.
The CDA will acquire private land in this area and develop housing and development projects in accordance with Zone 1 regulations, integrating the newly acquired land with areas already owned by the authority.
Existing villages and settlements will be regulated and contained within defined boundaries, while no further construction will be permitted on private land.
Meanwhile, the area between Margalla Hills National Park and Murree Road/Srinagar Highway will be designated as Zone 4E. Under this category, private developers will be allowed to undertake development projects in accordance with CDA zoning regulations, subject to prior approval of the authority.
The CDA will also be authorized to launch development projects on land located in the area already acquired by the authority.
The newly proposed subzones and their geographic boundaries have been identified on maps attached to the council’s decision.
The CDA Board of Directors also approved the formation of a committee to prepare a draft zoning bylaw, including land use classifications, planning strategies, village details and demographic data for all newly created sub-zones.
The committee will be headed by CDA Planning and Design Member and will include member estate, renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada, CDA Board Member, Director General Environment, CDA President Technical Director and Director Master Planning. The committee will also have the power to co-opt additional members if necessary.
The committee was instructed to submit its recommendations to the CDA board within 15 days. After approval by the board, a summary will be forwarded through the Ministry of Interior to the Federal Cabinet for consideration.
Once the federal cabinet has given final approval, the CDA board will formally approve the building regulations and development controls for the newly designated areas.
A senior CDA official, when contacted, confirmed that the board had officially taken the decision.
