Model graveyards get green light

CDA Board approves amendments promoting green infrastructure

ISLAMABAD:

The Board of Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved the allocation of land for the construction of model graveyards in the rural areas of Jabba and Pindorian in the federal capital, the development of a website and web portal for the model graveyard, and the provision of facilities enabling bereaved families, particularly overseas Pakistanis, to monitor the graves of their loved ones. The board also approved the adoption of OGRA and government policy regarding LPG storage and filling plants in Islamabad, along with several other matters.

These decisions were taken during a meeting of the CDA Board held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Administration Tallat Mahmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafeez, Member Environment Asfandiar Baloch, other senior officers and Professor Dr Muhammad Ali.

The board also decided to constitute a committee to conduct a detailed review of amendments to the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023.

Amendments aimed at promoting green infrastructure, rooftop and vertical gardening, and landscaping under the Islamabad Building Regulations 2023 were approved. These amendments are expected to promote urban gardening in Islamabad and align construction practices with modern-day needs and requirements.

The CDA Board further approved the establishment of CDA-owned fuel filling stations through public-private partnerships or joint ventures.

Chairman Randhawa directed that proposals be submitted to improve the façade (external appearance) of old buildings in the federal capital, particularly in Blue Area. He said options for providing special incentives to building owners who beautify their structures should also be considered.

The board approved the residential and commercial plot auctions scheduled to be held later this month. It also decided to hire consultant services under PPRA Rule 42(f) for third-party validation of the Islamabad High Court construction project.

The CDA Board approved an extension for the transportation of solid waste from sectors I-11, I-9, or any other location to the dumping site located at Losar, Chak Beli Khan Road, Rawalpindi, operated by the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), until a dumping site is established.

Additionally, the meeting approved the revised accommodation policy of the CDA and endorsed the upgradation of the post of Medical Technologist.