Islamabad Moves to Clear Stormwater Channels of Illegal Buildings

News Desk

Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a citywide crackdown on illegal encroachments built over natural stormwater drains (nullahs) in Islamabad, warning that such structures pose serious flood risks and will be demolished without exception.

The decision was announced during a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

Acting on directives from Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, CDA enforcement teams have already begun sealing and demolishing unauthorized structures constructed over nullahs. The drive aims to reclaim government land and protect lives amid increasingly intense monsoon rains.

“Buildings erected over nullahs without hydraulic studies or CDA approval are not only illegal but extremely dangerous. These structures are at high risk of collapsing during floods,” said Chairman Randhawa, citing this season’s rainfall—the highest since 2001—as a stark warning.

Residents and commercial property owners have been urged to voluntarily remove all encroachments. “If not removed, such structures will be sealed, declared hazardous, and legal action will be taken. The responsibility will lie entirely with the encroachers,” Randhawa cautioned.

In addition to demolitions, the CDA is introducing long-term preventive measures. A permanent monitoring system will be established, using drone surveillance and Google Earth mapping to monitor and protect reclaimed land.

The authority is also digitizing key services, including layout plans, NOC processes, and map approval payments through a new cashless system. The One Window Facilitation Center and land records are being computerized to enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and improve public service delivery.

The intensified anti-encroachment campaign follows repeated incidents of urban flooding in Islamabad’s residential and commercial areas. Experts have long warned that unregulated construction over nullahs disrupts water flow and exacerbates flood risks.

The CDA reaffirmed its commitment to carry out operations across all city sectors without discrimination and urged citizens to cooperate in ensuring safe, lawful urban development.