CDA Reclaims 2,500 Kanals in Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad has successfully reclaimed over 2,490 kanals of state land through an extensive anti-encroachment campaign. The operation focused on eliminating illegal residential and commercial structures on government-owned land. In addition to the 1,400 kanals recovered in areas like the former Muslim Colony, the CDA also reclaimed more than 712 kanals from a previous operation and another 320 kanals in Saidpur and surrounding regions near the National Park. The total value of the recovered land is estimated to be in the billions of rupees.

To ensure accurate reclamation, CDA utilized satellite-based mapping and digital maps to identify and delineate the boundaries of state land and the National Park. In Sector E-12, the authority recovered approximately 290 kanals by addressing illegal occupation and unauthorized use, including the removal of nearly 16 kanals of CDA property in E-12/2.

This land featured private security accommodations, a holiday home, and 14 rented shops. Once CDA confirmed possession through legal and administrative procedures, the land was returned, allowing for resumed development activities.

The authority is also taking proactive measures to prevent encroachments from resurfacing. They have initiated sealing and regulatory actions against unauthorized constructions along the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East. Additionally, anti-encroachment operations in the greenbelts of H-9 and I-9 successfully removed numerous illegal structures such as shops, temporary hotels, rooms, tandoors, washrooms, marble stalls, containers, sheds, and a service station.

To maintain vigilance, CDA plans to employ drones, digital mapping, and Google Earth monitoring to deter future encroachments on the reclaimed land.