Zone-IV under stress: Realtors push for legal cover
Private developers have already bought land in sub-zone C; civic agency has sent proposal to federal government
Private developers have already bought land in sub-zone C; civic agency has sent proposal to federal government. PHOTO: RADIO.GOV.PK
ISLAMABAD:
As if over a 100 illegal housing societies operating in the city were not enough, the city managers now seek to enhance the process of defacing capital’s master plan apparently to benefit private land developers.
In a significant development, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sought federal government’s permission to alter city zoning regulations, which, if approved, will change the land use of nearly 20,000 acres.
Through a summary, approved by the CDA board in a recent meeting, the city managers have sought government’s permission to allow private land developers to establish housing societies in sub-zone C of Zone-IV of the city.
So far, private land developers are not allowed to operate in sub-zone C.
“The CDA board recommends referring the case to the federal government to consider rectification [sic] in [the] ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, amended in 2010, for permission of private housing schemes also in sub-zone (C) of Zone-IV for approval of the cabinet,” reads the board’s decision minutes of which are available with The Express Tribune.
The CDA’s Regional Planning Director, Faraz Malik, told The Express Tribune that the board had approved the proposal, and awaiting final endorsement from the government.
Zone-IV
Zone-IV consists of 69,814 acres.
At the time of the establishment of the city, construction activity of all sorts was completely banned in the area.
Despite the ban, overtime, irregular, informal and unplanned settlements started appearing in the zone including the largest, now known as Bhara Kahu.
In 2007, the Supreme Court, in a suo motu case, also highlighted the violation of zoning regulations specifically in Zone-IV, noting a non-facilitating attitude of the CDA regarding permission for construction that led to the irregular activities.
In 2010, the Zoning Regulations 1992 was amended with the approval of then prime minister allowing construction activity in the zone besides regularisation of previous illegal constructions.
Under the amendment, Zone-IV was divided into four categories including sub-zones A, B, C, and D. Private housing was allowed in sub-zones A and B. However, private land developers were barred from undertaking any construction activity in sub-zone C and D.
Sub-zone C consists of nearly 20,000 acres and includes areas along Lehtrar Road and parts of the Islamabad Highway while sub-zone D consists of catchment areas of Simly Dam.
Following the decision, private land developers started constructions. Most of the illegal housing schemes, 64 in number, have been set up in sub-zones A and B.
So far, sub-zone C has escaped private land developers. But after civic agency move, the area might very well portray the same picture as sub-zones A and B of zone-IV.
Who will benefit?
It is alleged, private land developers have already purchased significant land in sub-zone C, and now what they are awaiting, is permission from the federal government.
“One of the city’s largest housing societies is already present in sub-zone C,” a senior official of the planning wing said, adding the city managers had been tasked to arrange legal cover for the scheme.
A senior board member said several land mafias had been forcing the civic agency for quite some time to get the approval.
“Sale and purchase of land in sub-zone C is in full swing at the moment. While, many land developers have already announced plans to develop housing societies in the area,” he added.
The official said that the idea would not only be in violation of zoning laws but it would also devastate the sanctity of city’s master plan and would only benefit big private land developers.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2016.
As if over a 100 illegal housing societies operating in the city were not enough, the city managers now seek to enhance the process of defacing capital’s master plan apparently to benefit private land developers.
In a significant development, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sought federal government’s permission to alter city zoning regulations, which, if approved, will change the land use of nearly 20,000 acres.
Through a summary, approved by the CDA board in a recent meeting, the city managers have sought government’s permission to allow private land developers to establish housing societies in sub-zone C of Zone-IV of the city.
So far, private land developers are not allowed to operate in sub-zone C.
“The CDA board recommends referring the case to the federal government to consider rectification [sic] in [the] ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, amended in 2010, for permission of private housing schemes also in sub-zone (C) of Zone-IV for approval of the cabinet,” reads the board’s decision minutes of which are available with The Express Tribune.
The CDA’s Regional Planning Director, Faraz Malik, told The Express Tribune that the board had approved the proposal, and awaiting final endorsement from the government.
Zone-IV
Zone-IV consists of 69,814 acres.
At the time of the establishment of the city, construction activity of all sorts was completely banned in the area.
Despite the ban, overtime, irregular, informal and unplanned settlements started appearing in the zone including the largest, now known as Bhara Kahu.
In 2007, the Supreme Court, in a suo motu case, also highlighted the violation of zoning regulations specifically in Zone-IV, noting a non-facilitating attitude of the CDA regarding permission for construction that led to the irregular activities.
In 2010, the Zoning Regulations 1992 was amended with the approval of then prime minister allowing construction activity in the zone besides regularisation of previous illegal constructions.
Under the amendment, Zone-IV was divided into four categories including sub-zones A, B, C, and D. Private housing was allowed in sub-zones A and B. However, private land developers were barred from undertaking any construction activity in sub-zone C and D.
Sub-zone C consists of nearly 20,000 acres and includes areas along Lehtrar Road and parts of the Islamabad Highway while sub-zone D consists of catchment areas of Simly Dam.
Following the decision, private land developers started constructions. Most of the illegal housing schemes, 64 in number, have been set up in sub-zones A and B.
So far, sub-zone C has escaped private land developers. But after civic agency move, the area might very well portray the same picture as sub-zones A and B of zone-IV.
Who will benefit?
It is alleged, private land developers have already purchased significant land in sub-zone C, and now what they are awaiting, is permission from the federal government.
“One of the city’s largest housing societies is already present in sub-zone C,” a senior official of the planning wing said, adding the city managers had been tasked to arrange legal cover for the scheme.
A senior board member said several land mafias had been forcing the civic agency for quite some time to get the approval.
“Sale and purchase of land in sub-zone C is in full swing at the moment. While, many land developers have already announced plans to develop housing societies in the area,” he added.
The official said that the idea would not only be in violation of zoning laws but it would also devastate the sanctity of city’s master plan and would only benefit big private land developers.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2016.