CDA Allegedly Allotting Plots on Natural Drains and Waterways Despite Severe Flooding

The Islamabad High Court has taken up petitions filed by residents of Margalla Town and Orchard Scheme, during which a startling revelation emerged that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has allegedly been allotting plots on natural drains and waterways. Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas presided over the hearing and sought complete details of the plots from the CDA. The court observed that the civic authority must explain, along with the layout plans, how it managed to allot residential plots on water channels and drains. Justice Minhas directed the CDA to provide a detailed report on the matter to the court in the next hearing. During the proceedings, Advocate Kashif Ali Malik appeared on behalf of the petitioners. He argued that despite repeated flooding in Islamabad, the CDA continues to allocate plots on waterways and natural drains. He added that this practice has led to several residential areas being submerged in recent days. The petitioners’ counsel maintained that such allotments not only violate planning standards but also endanger the lives and properties of residents. He emphasized that the reckless actions of the civic body have worsened flooding in low-lying areas, putting local communities at risk. The court adjourned the case until October 16, directing the CDA to submit the layout plans along with full details of the plots allotted on waterways before the next hearing.