New horticulture body on the cards

Parks and Horticulture Authority aims to streamline environmental management

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board has decided to establish the Islamabad Parks and Horticulture Agency, with a summary to be forwarded to the federal cabinet for final approval.

The Board also formed a committee comprising all CDA director generals to draft proposed amendments to the Islamabad Land Disposal Regulations 2005 (ILDR).

The decisions were taken during the 17th CDA Board meeting held on Friday at CDA Headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Member Administration & Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Planning & Design Dr Khalid Hafeez, Member Engineering Syed Nafaasat Raza, Member Environment Asfandyar Baloch and other officials attended.

Several agenda items were taken up during the 17th Board meeting. The Planning Wing presented the matter of temporary licensed stalls and kiosks in the capital in light of Islamabad High Court directives. The Board directed the wing to formulate and present a clear policy on the subject.

In compliance with instructions from a subcommittee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the meeting also reviewed proposed amendments to the ILDR 2005. It was decided that the newly formed DG-level committee would identify procedural bottlenecks across departments and recommend measures to remove delays, aiming to fast-track pending matters and eliminate unnecessary hurdles.

To further enhance Islamabad's greenery and preserve its natural beauty, the CDA Board approved sending the proposal for establishing the Islamabad Parks and Horticulture Agency Regulations to the federal cabinet.

The Board also approved, for the first time since 2005, a revision in the prices of plants sold at Gardenia Hub. Special discounts will be offered to institutions and CSR-based buyers for bulk plant purchases.

Regarding the issuance of an NOC for Jinnah Garden (Phase II) by the Federal Employees Cooperative Housing Society, the Board decided to constitute a technical committee.

CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed that allotment letters for housing schemes should be printed by the Printing Press of Pakistan strictly according to the approved layout plan. He emphasised that the number of allotment letters issued must match the number of plots shown in the approved layout plan.

The chairman said the move is aimed at curbing the sale and purchase of plots or files in excess of the layout plan. He further instructed that allotment letters must include barcodes and watermarks to ensure verification and authenticity.

Randhawa reiterated that the CDA remains committed to serving citizens and advancing capital development. He stressed transparency, accountability and timely execution of all decisions, adding that Islamabad's development, beautification and provision of quality civic services remain top priorities for the Authority.