Islamabad Authorities Launch Crackdown on Dangerous Encroachments Along City Streams
Islamabad authorities have announced a decisive operation to seal and remove illegal encroachments built over city streams, citing significant public safety risks, especially ahead of the monsoon season. The Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad administration, and Disaster Management Authority (DMA) will conduct joint operations to reclaim public land and prevent future encroachments.
The initiative was outlined during a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Senior officials including Member Planning Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Asfandyar Baloch, and other relevant departmental heads participated in the meeting. The crackdown follows directives from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to ensure strict action against illegal structures, particularly those endangering city water channels.
Officials reviewed progress on past operations targeting unauthorized buildings and encroachments, particularly on state land and along the streams (nalas) that traverse the capital. The meeting reiterated a recent decision to serve 24-hour notices to violators to demolish their own structures in order to mitigate the risk of flooding and accidents during the monsoon. If owners do not comply, authorities will seal and demolish the encroachments according to the law.
The CDA urged the public to voluntarily remove any illegal residential or commercial structures built over streams, emphasizing that such constructions are not only unlawful but pose serious dangers to inhabitants and the wider community. The agency warned that legal proceedings will be initiated against violators, who will bear full responsibility for any consequences.
In a move to improve long-term water resource management, the meeting also decided to commission a comprehensive hydrological study of all streams in Islamabad. This study will guide more effective utilization and oversight of the city’s aquatic assets. Chairman Randhawa directed that all necessary procedural formalities for the study be expedited to ensure its prompt launch.
To prevent the recurrence of illegal occupation after land is reclaimed, Randhawa announced a permanent monitoring mechanism. This includes scheduled drone surveillance and the use of satellite imagery through Google Earth to track and document changes in real time.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to transparent and indiscriminate action against all forms of encroachment, aiming to safeguard public property, reduce flood risks, and maintain compliance with municipal regulations in Islamabad.
