Lotus Lake restored at Shakarparian

Artificial lake established in 1970 was closed in 2006 due to construction

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) completed work on Family Park and Lotus Lake at tourist spot Shakarparian to promote the tourism in the city. CDA Chairman Aamir Ali Ahmed inaugurated the Family Park and lake on Sunday.

The Family Park and Lotus Lake at Shakarparian will provide best tourism facilities to the citizens of the capital, said a CDA press release. It happened first time since 2009 that CDA has constructed a family park. Only families will be allowed in the park.

CDA has kept into consideration the natural beauty of the surroundings while constructing the Family Park and the Lotus Lake. Park has been constructed without disturbing the terrain of the site. Stones and woods have been used for making the sitting places in the park. To maintain the natural beauty of the park the CDA has planted saplings and grass, the press release added.

A lake was constructed at Shakarparian in 1970 which was demolished in 2006 during the construction of cultural complex. However, the citizens of Islamabad have been demanding for reconstruction of lake, therefore CDA has constructed the lake again along with a family park.

Asphalt plants sealed

CDA has sealed seven asphalt and concrete mixing plants operating in the city without having no-objection certificate (NoC) from the civic agency.

A joint operation was carried out in collaboration with Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA) that sealed three plants along Srinagar Highway and four near Sangjani, a CDA official said.

The action was taken after serving prior notices to the asphalt and concrete plants' owners to close down the work itself, he said.

During the first phase the plants were being sealed immediately, while in second phase it will be demolished, he said.

"All the enforcement teams were directed to take stern and indiscriminate action against illegal plants in their jurisdictions, which were causing distress to the environment," he observed.

The campaign was aimed at controlling rapid increase of air pollution in the city, the official added.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2020.