SC asks CDA to furnish allottees' list

[Salman]

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to furnish the lists of persons who were allotted plots in the federal capital for agriculture purpose.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and comprised Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmed was hearing a suo moto case pertaining to the conversion of farmlands into palatial houses, even marriage halls have been built in violation of the rules. These agricultural plots were leased out to influential people and institutions in eight suburban areas of Islamabad, including Chak Shahzad, Murree Road, Kahuta Road and Tarlai Kalan.
The plots were given to grow agri-products and poultry for the local residents. But with the passage of time, these farmlands were converted into wedding halls, offices or excess constructions were made on the land.
Afnan Kundi, counsel for CDA, informed the court that the Authority wanted to restore the original status of 504 agro farms. The size originally was 4850 sq ft. But in 2004 its sized was increased to 10,000 sq ft and later anther 2500 sq ft was given to the allottees.
Kundi placed on record the summary of the decisions taken by CDA. He said notices have been issued and warned the allottees to restore the original position of farm within 45 days. He said the additional area was given without any rational and justification, which should be declared, void abinitio and reverted to its original position of 4850 sq ft.
Director State Management CDA Aslam Chaudhry told that in the early years of 70s the plots for setting up agro farms were distributed to attract the people. Later on such plots given on the recommendations of the high ups, adding after 80s the no plots were given to anyone for setting up agriculture farms. He said there are three categories of the allottees. First one was of Islamabad affectees, second allottee on the recommendation of high ups and the third category is of those who purchased leased out rights.
The court directed CDA chairman to take action against allotees, who are violating the contract and using the agriculture farms land for commercial purposes, without discrimination. The case was adjourned for indefinite period.