Authorities target illegal occupation, unauthorized construction and misuse of public land
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has stepped up its campaign against illegal encroachments and unauthorized activities across Islamabad, with operations targeting public and state land, illegal construction and commercial activities.
According to the CDA, its Enforcement Directorate and relevant Building Control formations are conducting operations in coordination with the District Administration and other departments in different parts of the capital.
The campaign is focused on removing encroachments, preventing construction without approved plans, addressing unauthorized commercial activities and taking action against the non-conforming use of land. Officials are also checking compliance with approved land-use plans and building control regulations.
The authority said Additional Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners are monitoring operations in their respective areas to ensure enforcement activities are carried out systematically and according to the law.
Where violations are confirmed, the CDA may remove encroachments, demolish illegal structures, seal buildings or premises, recover applicable charges and initiate legal proceedings under the prescribed procedures.
A particular focus is being placed on protecting public spaces, state land, land reserved for roads, green areas and natural drainage channels. The CDA said recent operations have also resulted in the recovery of areas of state land from illegal occupation.
The authority further clarified that cases involving regularisation, approval or change of land use will be dealt with by the competent authorities under the applicable rules. Where legally recoverable, charges related to unauthorized construction, additional covered area, setbacks, Floor Area Ratio (FAR), change of land use and other violations may also be assessed and recovered.
However, the CDA said payment of applicable charges or regularisation does not remove the requirement to comply with approved plans, land-use regulations and building-control requirements.
The authority added that sealed premises will remain closed until the identified violations are corrected and all required legal and regulatory conditions have been fulfilled.
The CDA said coordinated anti-encroachment operations will continue across Islamabad to protect public and state land, maintain proper land use and preserve the city’s planned character.
