Water supply, action against land mafia, probe into slaughter of trees and development of new sectors
At a time when the newly appointed Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Lt (R) Sohail Ashraf is poised to take dual charge i.e. Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the federal capital is facing a complex web of civic, environmental, and governance challenges.
Following the transfer of former Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa as Director General (DG) Immigration & Passport, who also held the additional charge of CDA Chairman, the incoming leadership is expected to navigate a demanding agenda aimed at restoring public confidence and preserving Islamabad’s image as a clean and green city.
At the top of the priority list is environmental protection.
There is urgent need for a thorough inquiry into the unchecked cutting of trees and the controversial issuance of licenses to a growing number of private housing societies, say the civic planners and managers adding, the proliferation of these “mushroom” developments has raised serious concerns about sustainability, legality, and urban planning.
Similarly, transparency in development projects is another critical area requiring attention. Authorities emphasize that strict adherence to rules and regulations, coupled with fair competition in awarding contracts, will be essential to ensure that public interest remains paramount. Completion of long-delayed development work in key sectors — including I-12, I-15, E-12, and C-15 — also looms large. Additionally, resolving longstanding issues faced by land affectees, particularly those awaiting compensation or plot allotments in sectors such as D-13, E-13, F-13, and C-13, will be crucial for unlocking stalled projects and easing public grievances.
Water scarcity remains perhaps the most pressing challenge. With Islamabad’s population expanding rapidly over the past three decades, the city’s water infrastructure has failed to keep pace. Currently, CDA supplies around 70 million gallons per day against an estimated demand of 220 million gallons, leaving residents grappling with persistent shortages. Aging pipelines, lack of new water sources, and the absence of major reservoir projects have compounded the crisis.
Town planners suggest that construction of new dams and exploration of alternative water resources must become an urgent priority.
Urban planning deficiencies further complicate matters. Islamabad’s master plan, originally devised in 1960, has not undergone a comprehensive revision despite periodic, piecemeal amendments.
Experts warn that the absence of a modernized and cohesive planning framework has contributed to unregulated construction and haphazard expansion. Meanwhile, basic civic services continue to suffer. The outsourcing of sanitation services has faced repeated delays, leaving rural areas without proper cleanliness arrangements since early 2024. The absence of a designated landfill site adds to the city’s waste management woes.
Financial sustainability within the CDA also demands reform. The authority’s continued reliance on selling land to fund development projects and operational expenses is increasingly seen as unsustainable. There is an urgent need for a new financial model that reduces dependence on plot sales and ensures long-term stability. With a daunting ‘to-do list’ ahead, the incoming CDA chairman’s tenure will likely be defined by his ability to balance immediate civic needs with long-term planning, while steering Islamabad toward a more sustainable and well-regulated future.
