CDA Issues Show-Cause Notice to Bahria Town Over Alleged Illegal Use of Public Parks
ISLAMABAD : The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has issued a show-cause notice to M/s Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd over the alleged illegal commercial use of land reserved for public amenities in the Bahria Enclave Housing Scheme, Zone-IV.
According to the notice, the layout plan for Bahria Enclave-I, spanning 12,543.11 kanals, was approved in December 2020, while a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued in April 2022 subject to specific terms and conditions. The land earmarked for public amenities, including parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, was subsequently transferred to the CDA in October 2022.
The authority stated that inspections revealed alleged encroachments on a family park and a multi-purpose playing field located on Park Road in Sector-A of Bahria Enclave. The notice claims that a marquee and a restaurant were constructed on the site and are being operated for commercial purposes.
The CDA termed the commercial use of public amenity land a violation of the approved layout plan, CDA rules, and applicable zoning regulations. The developer has been directed to remove the violations, restore the parks and green areas in accordance with the approved plan, and submit a compliance report within seven days.
The notice also sought a written explanation from Bahria Town as to why legal action should not be initiated under relevant provisions of the CDA Ordinance 1960, ICT Zoning Regulations 1992, and the 2023 regulations governing private housing and commercial schemes in Islamabad.
Warning of strict enforcement, the authority said failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could result in demolition of illegal structures and cessation of unauthorized land use, including enforcement action with police assistance. The costs of such operations would be recovered from the responsible parties, while ex-parte proceedings could also be initiated in case of non-compliance.
Bahria Town has also been offered the opportunity of a personal hearing within seven days to present its position.
The notice has been circulated to multiple CDA departments with instructions to coordinate enforcement actions and ensure the removal of encroachments from land designated for public use.
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