In a significant move aimed at improving civic amenities and urban planning, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board, in its eighteenth meeting, granted approval for several key initiatives for the federal capital. The meeting, held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Muhammad Ali Randhawa, focused on modernizing burial facilities, promoting sustainable construction, and streamlining various administrative and development projects.
Modern Graveyards with Digital Monitoring for Overseas Pakistanis
A major decision involved the allocation of land in Mouza Malpur and Mouza Pindorian for the establishment of model graveyards. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa issued specific directives to ensure these facilities are equipped with comprehensive amenities. These include spacious funeral prayer areas, ablution spaces, public toilets, ample parking, and ambulance services. Furthermore, the graveyards will have CCTV surveillance for security.
In a forward-looking step, the Chairman directed the creation of a dedicated website and web portal for these model graveyards. This digital initiative is particularly aimed at assisting overseas Pakistanis, allowing them to remotely monitor the graves of their departed loved ones, thereby providing them with peace of mind.
Promoting Green Infrastructure and Urban Beautification
The Board meeting also approved pivotal amendments to the Islamabad Building Regulations 2023 to encourage environmentally friendly practices. The amendments are designed to promote green infrastructure, rooftop and vertical gardening, and enhanced landscaping within new constructions. This move is expected to boost urban gardening in Islamabad and align the city's growth with contemporary environmental needs.
In line with urban beautification, Chairman Randhawa called for proposals to improve the facades of old buildings, with a special focus on the Blue Area. He suggested that the authority consider offering special incentives to building owners who undertake efforts to beautify their exteriors, aiming to refresh the capital's main commercial thoroughfare.
Other Key Decisions and Project Approvals
The eighteenth CDA Board meeting covered a wide agenda, resulting in several other important decisions:
- The Board decided to adopt the policies of OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority) and the federal government, along with their periodic amendments, for establishing LPG storage and filling plants in Islamabad.
- A committee will be formed to conduct a detailed review of the proposed amendments to the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023.
- Approval was granted for establishing CDA-owned fuel filling stations through public-private partnerships (PPP) or joint ventures, a project intended to create sustainable revenue streams for the authority.
- The Board approved the bids for residential and commercial plots that were held during the current month.
- For the "Construction of Islamabad High Court" project, the meeting decided to hire a consultant under PPRA Rule 42F for third-party validation.
- An extension was approved for transporting solid waste from notified transfer stations in Sector I-11 and I-9 to the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company's dumping site at Losar until a permanent site is established.
- The Board gave its nod to the CDA’s Revised Accommodation Policy and the upgradation of the post of Medical Technologist.
These collective decisions from the eighteenth CDA Board meeting underscore a multi-pronged approach to enhancing Islamabad's infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and public services, setting a roadmap for the capital's planned development in the coming years.
