New rules to rein in Margalla development

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board has approved in principle a major zoning reform proposal aimed at expanding environmental protection around the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP), including the acquisition of privately owned land and a ban on further construction in several adjoining areas.

Under the decision, the unacquired settlements of Shahdara, Talhar and Gokina, located on the periphery of the national park, will be incorporated into the newly proposed Zone-3A.

The CDA has also decided to acquire land in these areas and prohibit any further development or construction pending implementation of the revised zoning framework.

According to official documents available to The Express Tribune, the CDA Board has approved in principle amendments to the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, relating to Zone-3, and has constituted a six-member high-level committee to finalise recommendations. The committee's proposals will subsequently be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet for final approval.

Under the proposed restructuring, the area already notified as the Margalla Hills National Park will continue to be designated as Zone-3.

The documents further reveal the land situated between the Margalla Hills National Park and the residential sectors, extending north of Margalla Avenue up to Sector C-16, will be classified as Zone-1A.

The CDA will acquire private land within this area and develop housing and planning schemes in accordance with Zone-1 regulations, integrating the newly acquired land with areas already owned by the authority.

Existing villages and settlements will be regulated and contained within defined limits, while no further construction will be permitted on privately owned land.

Meanwhile, the area located between the Margalla Hills National Park and Murree Road/Srinagar Highway will be designated as Zone-4E. Under this category, private developers will be allowed to undertake development projects in accordance with CDA zoning regulations, subject to prior approval from the authority.

The CDA will also be authorised to launch development schemes on land within the area that has already been acquired by the authority.

The newly proposed sub-zones and their geographical boundaries have been identified on maps attached to the board's decision.

The CDA Board has also approved the formation of a committee to prepare draft zoning regulations, including land-use classifications, planning strategies, village details and population data for all newly created sub-zones.

The committee will be headed by the CDA Member Planning and Design and will comprise the Member Estate, renowned architect Nayyar Ali Dada, a CDA Board member, the Director General Environment, the Director Technical to the CDA Chairman and the Director Master Plan. The committee will also have the authority to co-opt additional members as required.

The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations to the CDA Board within 15 days. Following approval by the board, a summary will be forwarded through the Ministry of Interior to the Federal Cabinet for consideration.

After the federal cabinet grants final approval, the CDA Board will formally approve building regulations and development controls for the newly designated zones.

A senior CDA official, when contacted, confirmed that the board had formally taken the decision.