Key Takeaways
- The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the CDA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and the Ministry of Climate Change.
- The court is seeking replies regarding encroachments on natural streams, drains, and waterways in Islamabad.
- Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas issued the notices during a hearing of a public interest petition.
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Chief Commissioner Islamabad, and the Ministry of Climate Change to provide explanations regarding encroachments on natural waterways in the federal capital. The directive was issued during a hearing of a public interest petition.
Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas, who is presiding over the case, issued the notices on Friday, emphasizing the need for the authorities to address the issue promptly.
The petition, filed by an unnamed petitioner, highlights the encroachments on natural streams, drains, and waterways, which have raised concerns about the environmental and public health implications.
The IHC’s decision comes at a time when the city is facing increasing urbanization and development pressures, leading to the encroachment of natural waterways. These encroachments have reportedly led to flooding and pollution issues in various parts of Islamabad.
The CDA, responsible for the development and maintenance of the capital city, and the Ministry of Climate Change, tasked with addressing environmental issues, are now required to submit detailed reports on the encroachments and their plans to rectify the situation.
The Chief Commissioner Islamabad, who oversees the administrative and law enforcement functions in the city, has also been directed to provide a comprehensive response to the court.
The public interest petition seeks to ensure that the natural waterways are protected and that the city’s infrastructure is developed in a sustainable manner, without compromising the environment.
The IHC’s move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the growing concerns over the encroachment of natural waterways in Islamabad, which have been a source of public debate and environmental activism in recent years.
