CDA to demolish ‘unapproved’ supermarket in Sector G-6

Officials say they had issued a number of notices to the owners that yielded no result

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Monday decided to seal and demolish unauthorised storeys and a basement constructed in Sector G-6.

Plot no.26, measuring 3,000 square yards, had originally been leased to build a marriage hall with a basement – meant for a car park. However, the basement in the building was later used to build a supermarket, against the terms of allotment and in violation of the building and zoning regulations 2005.

The violation is tantamount to non-conforming use of the premises.

A CDA official in the Building Control Section (BCS) told The Express Tribune that previously, they had issued notices to the owners of the building, directing them to remove the non-conforming structure. However, no progress had been made and it meant they could not make any recoveries from the commercialisation of three basements worth Rs4.66 million.

The owner of the supermarket is reportedly a sitting senator, which may explain some reluctance the CDA had in taking action against it, resorting to issuing notices. However, this seemingly only encouraged the owners to take advantage of civic body’s rules and regulations.

The building had violated zoning regulations in March 2016 when the rate of commercialisation was Rs600 per square yard under Annexure-B 6.6 (10) of the zoning regulations 2005.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2017.