Islamabad’s cleanliness drive: CDA launches citywide crackdown on littering

ISLAMABAD: In a sweeping citywide operation, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a rigorous crackdown on littering and violations of cleanliness regulations across Islamabad, under the recently introduced Islamabad Solid Waste Regulations 2023.

The crackdown, part of a broader initiative to transform Islamabad into a “model clean city,” was carried out in multiple sectors including Bhara Kahu, F-6, F-7, G-9, and I-8, where citizens, cafes, restaurants, and shopkeepers were fined for improper waste disposal and dumping garbage in unauthorised locations.

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The operation follows a directive issued by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, who issued a zero-tolerance policy against littering and illegal parking during a high-level meeting held at CDA Headquarters earlier this month.

FINES IMPOSED ACROSS KEY SECTORS

Enforcement teams from the CDA, in collaboration with Islamabad Traffic Police and ICT Administration, issued challans to violators found littering public spaces and failing to comply with waste disposal guidelines. Officials confirmed that the crackdown will continue, with daily monitoring reports being compiled to assess progress and identify recurring violators.

SAFE CITY CAMERAS TO MONITOR LITTERING OUTSIDE RESTAURANTS

As part of the initiative, Safe City surveillance cameras will now monitor garbage disposal practices outside hotels, restaurants, and commercial centers. Establishments found violating regulations will face strict legal action, with the CDA vowing to hold both individuals and businesses accountable.

These measures are aligned with the broader waste management reforms currently underway in the capital. In August, the CDA announced plans for a new waste collection system, including:

• Introduction of two-bin and three-bin waste systems in residential and commercial areas, respectively.
• A Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for waste sorting and recycling.
• Segregation of green waste at the wholesale vegetable market.
• Establishment of a central control room for real-time monitoring of waste operations.

The reforms are being implemented through a merit-based bidding process that aims to attract top-tier national and international waste management companies.

ZERO-TOLERANCE ON ILLEGAL PARKING, TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

The littering crackdown coincides with another major citywide initiative: strict enforcement against illegal parking and wrong-way driving. A newly formed Secretariat Traffic Unit (STU) will lead the effort, while valet services and new parking lots are being introduced around the Pak Secretariat to address chronic congestion.

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Islamabad Police Inspector General (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi confirmed that 165 FIRs have already been registered for parking and traffic violations. From October 1, drivers without valid licenses will also face legal action.

CDA officials have urged residents and businesses to cooperate fully with the new regulations. Trader unions are being engaged in awareness campaigns, and CDA has pledged transparency and fairness in enforcement.