Islamabad: CDA fails to implement building bylaws

[Naveed Yaseen]

* Builders are not covering under-construction buildings with green cover to protect residents
* No check on non-conforming use of residential buildings

By Fazal Sher

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has failed to implement building byelaws, especially binding the builders to cover under-construction buildings with green curtain and check the growing trend of non-confirming use of residential buildings.

The authority has not yet taken any measures to initiate action against violators due to which violation of different building byelaws is continuing in the city. The CDA has failed to implement the law that make it mandatory for the builders to cover the under- construction buildings with a green curtain to protect the citizens from dust and other hazardous construction materials, a senior CDA official told Daily Times.

He said despite several complaints form the capital city residents CDA had turned blind eye to this serious issue. The authority gives approval for the construction of buildings, but its directorate concerned does not check the work and ensure protection of the people from the dust, he added.

Non-implementation of rule and regulations for covering the under construction buildings through a green curtain and placing the heap of mud, sand and crush on the roads, has aggravated the situation in the seemingly organized capital, he said.

The use of residential buildings for commercial purposes is also on the rise, which is creating problems for other residents of the locality. Under the CDA building regulations the plot or building in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) would be used only for the purpose for which they have been allotted and conveyed. “No land or building should be put to a non-conforming use (commercial use of residential buildings).

A non-conforming use of a building may render the owner and the occupant of the building liable to penalty and eviction from the building and the allotment deed of the plot may also be cancelled,” say the CDA building bylaws.

Similarly, according to the law small temporary buildings or structures of approved size for storage purpose can be constructed for the duration of the construction of buildings on the same plot or on adjacent land on approached location, with proper approval of the authority before starting construction. “Such a building or structure shall be removed immediately after the main structure is constructed or earlier if so directed by Authority,” say the rules.

The official said due to negligence of the CDA the construction of the additional rooms and floors were on the rise in the city in the violation of approved layout plan. “No building or structure or parts a of building be demolished or removed except those for which prior approval of the authority has been obtained.

The demolition of a building should be carried out in the supervision of a licensed structure engineer after taking all necessary precautions for the safety of the public life and attached surrounding property,” he quoted the rules.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg11_1