Aviary project gets green light

CDA approves construction of bird sanctuary in Fatima Jinnah Park

ISLAMABAD:

The board of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has granted approval for the construction of the world’s largest aviary spanning an area of 10 acres in the Fatima Jinnah Park, also known as the F-9 Park, in the federal capital.

The board also approved several other projects during its meeting held on Tuesday under the chair of Capt (retd) Noorul Amin Mengal at the CDA headquarters.

The development came two weeks after the authority approved the establishment of a medical college in Islamabad. The decision was taken in a special board meeting convened to earmark land in the Kahuta Triangle Industrial Area for a fire station and a dispensary.

Sources said the aviary aims to provide a sanctuary for various bird species, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity. Additionally, it will offer visitors both recreation and educational opportunities.

The construction of the aviary will be carried out through an open auction (design, build, operate and transfer) process, the sources said.

During the board meeting, revised layout plans for D-13, E-13, and F Sectors were presented and received positive feedback from the board members.

These updated plans include provisions for those affected by land evictions and also identify plots previously allocated.

The board stressed the importance of incorporating modern requirements into the revised layout plan to ensure its relevance in the present era.

Furthermore, the board approved 20 plots in Capital Street besides finalising the rules and regulations for this area. The objective was to create an investor-friendly environment by establishing simple and clear guidelines.

The board also approved the CDA budget for the upcoming financial year, estimated at Rs150.948 billion, with a surplus of Rs852 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2023.