CDA clears zoning overhaul to curb development around Margalla Hills

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority has given in-principle approval to a sweeping zoning proposal intended to widen environmental safeguards around the Margalla Hills National Park, including the acquisition of privately owned land and restrictions on new construction in adjoining areas.

According to official documents, the CDA Board approved amendments in principle to the ICT Zoning Regulations, 1992, relating to Zone-3, and set up a six-member high-level committee to finalise recommendations. The committee’s proposals are to be sent to the federal cabinet for final approval.

Under the decision, the unacquired settlements of Shahdara, Talhar and Gokina on the park’s periphery will be brought into a newly proposed Zone-3A. The CDA has also decided to acquire land in these localities and stop any further development or construction until the revised zoning framework is implemented.

New sub-zones proposed

Under the proposed restructuring, the area already notified as the Margalla Hills National Park will remain designated as Zone-3. Official documents further state that the land between the national park and the residential sectors, stretching north of Margalla Avenue up to Sector C-16, will be classified as Zone-1A.

The CDA plans to acquire private land in that area and develop housing and planning schemes under Zone-1 regulations, linking the newly acquired land with territory already in its possession. Existing villages and settlements are to be regulated and confined within defined boundaries, while no additional construction will be allowed on privately owned land.

The area lying between the Margalla Hills National Park and Murree Road/Srinagar Highway will be redesignated as Zone-4E. In that zone, private developers will be permitted to undertake projects in line with CDA zoning rules, subject to prior approval by the authority. The CDA will also be allowed to launch development schemes on land in the area that it has already acquired.

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

Committee formed to draft regulations

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. Its members will include the Member Estate, 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 body has also been authorised to co-opt additional members if required.

The committee has been directed to submit its recommendations to the CDA Board within 15 days. After board approval, a summary will be forwarded through the Ministry of Interior to the federal cabinet for consideration. Once the 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.