Anti-encroachment drive: CDA continues to ignore land in Malpur

Reclaims more than 2,000 kanals in sector I-12.

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has reclaimed more than 2,000 kanals in sector I-12 since Wednesday.

A press release issued by the authority on Friday said that the action was taken in light of directions of the Supreme Court and more than 3,500 kanals have been reclaimed since the operation started on Monday.

CDA Chairperson Imtiaz Inayat Elahi called upon the illegal occupants to “amicably vacate” the land acquired by CDA.

He said that the adverse possession of land and subsequent ill-planned construction has damaged the beauty of Islamabad. He added CDA would start development activities after getting its land back.

But what about Malpur?

But while the authority continues to reclaim encroached-upon land in different areas of Islamabad, it has been unable to take action against the people occupying CDA’s land in Malpur Village.

The land is in possession of Senator Nayyar Hussain Bokhari and his family members.

Official CDA sources told The Express Tribune it was difficult to take action against Senator Bokhari and his family.

Instead the authority started an operation in other areas reclaiming land that it does not immediately need.

In contrast, CDA plans to convert Malpur into a model village and also relocate the diplomatic enclave there.

The civic body has already managed to take back possession of 300 acres in Malpur, but has been hesitating to take action against people occupying the remaining land, mainly because they are backed by Senator Bokhari.

“Unless CDA reclaims the land in Malpur, the projects will remain halted,” a CDA official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 19^th, 2011.