Pak-EPA issues conditional NoC for Metro Bus Project

[Salman]

Islamabad

The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Tuesday issued a conditional NoC to the Metro Bus Project in the federal capital.

The official sources told ‘The News’ that the Pak-EPA had issued an NoC to the mega project primarily with conditions to ensure protection of environment in Islamabad and pine and other trees along Jinnah Avenue.

CDA Member Administration Amir Ali Ahmed told this correspondent that the Metro Bus Project would serve as a blessing for the environment of Islamabad. He rejected the impression that the project would damage beauty and environment of Islamabad.

“Islamabad will receive over Rs280 million from the budget of Metro Bus Project solely for uplift of environment,” he said adding that such a huge amount had not been spent on protection of the environment of Islamabad during last three years.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) are working on a possibility to prevent removal of maximum stalls at H-9 Weekly Bazaar which were coming in the right of way of the Peshawar Morr interchange at the junction of

Kashmir Highway and 9th Avenue.”

“Instead of a ground loop towards Kashmir Highway which was to pass through the weekly bazaar, we are now planning an elevated loop,” an official associated with the project said.

He said earlier 40% stalls were coming in the right of way of the project and now if plan of elevated loop is implemented only 5% stalls would be affected.

The excavation work at the site of the interchange is in full swing and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed for completion of work within six months.