Capital greenlights major civic reforms
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board approved on Wednesday a series of major initiatives, including the allocation of land for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Islamabad and the recruitment of staff to strengthen the Capital Emergency Services.
The approval was also given for the training of emergency personnel, the establishment of 12 rescue stations across the city to ensure rapid response during heavy rains, and the launch of a motorbike rescue service equipped with 50 motorcycles.
The decisions were taken during the Board's 15th meeting, held at CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali Randhawa, CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad.
Member Administration & Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Asfandyar Baloch, Member Planning Dr Khalid Hafeez, and Member Engineering Syed Nifasat Raza attended the meeting. Professor Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, participated via Zoom. A wide-ranging agenda was considered. The Board endorsed measures to modernise the Capital Emergency Services, including staff recruitment, advanced training, and the procurement of modern equipment, with additional support to be sought from the NDMA.
It also approved the establishment of a state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for enhanced monitoring and coordination of emergency responses.
To further strengthen rapid response capacity, 12 rescue stations will be established across Islamabad, complemented by a motorbike rescue service comprising 50 motorcycles.
The Board directed the relevant departments to expedite the finalisation of the Capital Emergency Service Regulations. Members were also briefed on plans for the procurement of advanced rescue vehicles and specialised equipment, such as water rescue vans.
The Board additionally approved the hiring of consultants to help secure carbon credits for development projects in the capital. Chairman Randhawa explained that the initiative is aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions.