ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has directed officials to remove unauthorized structures and occupants from land associated with the authority’s water supply installations across Islamabad.
The directive, issued by the CDA Directorate of Water Supply on September 9, follows the identification of unauthorized construction at several water-related facilities, including water works, sumps, tube wells, and overhead and underground water tanks.
Unauthorized Construction Identified at Water Facilities
According to the CDA directive, additional rooms and residential quarters have been constructed at some sites without the authority’s approval. In several cases, the structures reportedly extend beyond the layouts originally sanctioned by the CDA.
The authority has instructed its Deputy Directors to take action against unauthorized occupants and clear CDA land of structures that were built without the required permissions.
Enforcement Teams to Support Operation
The removal operation will be carried out in coordination with the CDA Enforcement Directorate, police and other relevant departments. The coordinated approach is intended to facilitate the removal of unauthorized structures and occupants from the authority’s property.
The directive also requires officials to address unauthorized use of utility services at the affected quarters.
Separate Utility Connections Ordered
The CDA has noted that some occupants were using electricity and gas connections without separate meters. Under the new instructions, each allotted quarter is required to have its own utility connections.
Occupants will also be responsible for paying the electricity and gas bills associated with their respective quarters, rather than allowing utility usage to remain unaccounted for under shared or unauthorized connections.
Officials Given 25-Day Deadline
CDA officials have been given 25 days to complete the removal operation and submit compliance reports to the relevant authority.
The deadline places responsibility on field officials to identify unauthorized occupants, remove unapproved structures and ensure that utility arrangements at allotted quarters comply with CDA requirements.
Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance
The authority has also warned that officials who fail to implement the directive could face disciplinary action.
The latest instructions highlight the CDA’s effort to maintain control over land and infrastructure attached to its water supply system. For property owners and occupants, the development also underscores the importance of obtaining the required approvals before carrying out construction or occupying authority-owned land.
