Islamabad Authorities Crack Down on Illegal Structures Over Nullahs to Prevent Monsoon Hazards
Islamabad authorities have decided to seal all illegal constructions over the city’s stormwater drains (nullahs), deeming them dangerous, and launch immediate enforcement actions to safeguard public safety ahead of the monsoon season. This decision follows directives from the Federal Interior Minister and comprehensive discussions led by Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
During a high-level meeting at the CDA headquarters, chaired by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, senior officials from various departments, including the planning, finance, environment, and building authorities, as well as representatives from Islamabad’s administration and emergency management, reviewed the ongoing campaign against encroachments on government land and nullahs. The meeting assessed progress and outlined future steps to ensure effective implementation.
Officials highlighted that a previous decision mandated that illegal establishments over nullahs be not only sealed, but also issued a 24-hour notice to allow owners to voluntarily demolish structures and avert unexpected calamities during intense monsoon spells. The unified efforts of CDA, Islamabad administration, and the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) are focused on clearing and securing all affected sectors of the city.
The CDA has renewed its public advisory, urging citizens to voluntarily remove any residential or commercial encroachments over stormwater drains, noting that such structures are not only illegal but also pose significant risks. The authority emphasized that continued violations will result in strict legal action, and full responsibility will fall on the encroachers.
To further strengthen the city’s flood mitigation and land management, the meeting resolved to conduct a comprehensive hydrological study of all stormwater drains. Chairman Randhawa instructed relevant departments to finalize all necessary protocols swiftly and commence the study without delay, aiming to improve water resource management and flood preparedness in Islamabad.
Additionally, Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced the establishment of a permanent surveillance system to prevent future encroachments on reclaimed land. This system will employ regular drone footage and utilize satellite imagery through Google Earth to monitor sensitive areas and ensure that cleared land remains free of illegal occupation.
The CDA underscored its commitment to enforcing the law impartially and protecting public interests while enhancing coordination among agencies to maintain the safety and integrity of Islamabad’s waterways and public properties.
