CDA announces to seal buildings constructed over nullahs

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Friday announced that all residential and commercial buildings constructed over nullahs without the approval of the civic agency or a hydrological study will be sealed.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

The meeting reviewed progress on the ongoing anti-encroachment campaign in Islamabad—particularly the removal of encroachments from state land and the eviction of individuals illegally occupying government property.

It was informed that the CDA, the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, and the DMA are jointly working to seal and demolish illegal encroachments along stormwater drains (nullahs) across all sectors of the capital and reclaim government land.

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Randhawa directed that all structures built over nullahs without proper approvals be immediately sealed and declared “dangerous,” as these buildings are not only illegal but also pose a serious risk of collapse and potential loss of life during flash floods.

The CDA urged the public to voluntarily remove all structures built over stormwater drains, warning that otherwise, such properties would be sealed and declared hazardous under the law, with legal action initiated against the violators. Responsibility for any consequences, the authority said, would lie solely with the encroachers.

Randhawa said that while the CDA was conducting an indiscriminate crackdown on illegal encroachments, it was also establishing a permanent monitoring mechanism to prevent re-encroachment on vacated land, using drone surveillance and Google Earth tools.

He added that the CDA had decided to digitise layout plans and the NOC approval process. Citizens can now pay fees for map approvals via a cashless system. The One Window Facilitation Centre is also being digitised, and land records are being computerised to help resolve public issues more efficiently.