The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is stepping up its campaign against illegal encroachments across Islamabad with a tech-driven strategy that includes drone surveillance and satellite monitoring.
CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa, in a major policy shift on Thursday, vowed to enforce the law indiscriminately and ensure permanent protection of reclaimed public land.
During the meeting, officials reported that the campaign, had already resulted in the recovery of more than 60 kanals of illegally occupied land in the Saidpur area.
Additional operations were conducted on GT Road, Srinagar Highway, Tarnol, and the Expressway, targeting both encroachments and unlawful construction.
Chairman Randhawa emphasized the need for sustained and law-based enforcement. “We are taking indiscriminate action against all illegal encroachments,” he stated. “But it is equally important to ensure these areas remain protected going forward. That’s why we are establishing a permanent monitoring system, including regular drone footage and Google Earth surveillance.”
The new system aims to provide real-time oversight of previously cleared areas to deter illegal reoccupation.
Furthermore, Randhawa directed CDA officials to speed up legal proceedings against encroachers and explore long-term preventive measures. As part of a broader vision to revitalize the capital, the CDA is also planning eco-friendly redevelopment of reclaimed land.
This includes tree plantations and optimal public use of cleared spaces. “Our goal is not just to remove encroachments but to transform Islamabad into a model capital—green, lawful, and inclusive,” Randhawa added.
Senior officials from the CDA, ICT administration, and enforcement departments participated, including Member Admin and Estate Talat Mahmood, Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, and DG Building Control Faisal Naeem.
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CDA starts such so called anti encroachment campaigns with a lot pump and show but after sometime, cleared land is again got occupied illegally.
Glaring examples of G-12, Islamabad express way, F-11, Faizabad and many more are there.
CDA should devise long term strategy to monitor, Firstly there should be no encroachment, secondly when demolished, continuous monitoring and surveillance be done to avoid repeating encroachment.
Also action against negligent CDA staff responsible for such encroachment should be taken.
Hope present CDA chairman will be more serious for tackling this long outstanding issue which is not possible without connivance of CDA staff.
People’s who are belong or some some linkwith Nawaz shrif and Zardary families will not be ask any questions about illegal encorrorchment, but other hand if any bady has some sympathy with Imran khan will definitely effected and he has no excuses. So this totally drama just to crush PTA worker’s nothing else
I-8/4 area towards Faizabad fly over is very rapidly and tactfully being encroached. Since there’s no check on it, it appears as if the people responsible to ensure non encroachment are doing it themselves.
Very nice. Remove encroachment and plan expansion of city as per original plan before it is too late.
Do something about G.12, all G.12 is illegally occupied
In Tarnol area I have seen such type of action against encroachment various times but after few days again the same people capture the same land and according to to them we are paying to CDA employees on monthly basis. So how can we accept that the encroachment would be lawful.
Cases should lodge against CDA employees responsible of the area assigned. Let’s see and wait
Old satellite imageries are available. These can be utilised if the Chairman wants to do the job. I believe encroachment is impossible without the permission of concerned CDA staff. So, whilst clearing encroachments keep firing the moles in CDA also. May Allah be your protector and Guide