CDA Board Approves Model Graveyards, Green Building Regulations, and New Revenue Initiatives

Islamabad: The 18th meeting of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board was held on Tuesday at CDA Headquarters under the chairmanship of Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
The meeting was attended by Member Administration Tallat Mahmood, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Engineering Syed Nifasat Raza, Member Planning & Design Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Member Environment Asfandiyar Baloch, along with other senior officers. Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali also participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, the CDA Board approved the allocation of sites for the construction of model graveyards at Jabba and Pandorian in the federal capital. Chairman CDA directed that these model graveyards be equipped with spacious funeral areas, ablution facilities, public toilets, adequate parking, hearse and ambulance services, and CCTV surveillance. He further instructed that a dedicated website and web portal be developed to enable heirs—especially overseas Pakistanis—to monitor and manage the graves of their loved ones.
The Board also decided to adopt OGRA regulations and prevailing government policies, including periodic amendments, regarding LPG storage and filling plants in Islamabad.
To review amendments in the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023, the Board approved the formation of a committee. Amendments promoting green infrastructure, rooftop and vertical gardening, and landscaping under the Islamabad Building Regulations 2023 were also approved. These measures aim to encourage urban gardening and align construction practices with modern requirements.
The Board approved the establishment of CDA-owned fuel filling stations through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) or joint ventures, which will help generate sustainable revenue streams for the Authority.
Chairman CDA emphasized the need for proposals to improve the facades of old buildings, particularly in Blue Area, and suggested considering special incentives for owners who enhance the aesthetic appearance of their buildings.
The Board also approved the recent residential and commercial plot auctions conducted during the current month.
Additionally, it was decided to engage a consultant under PPRA Rule 42(F) for third-party validation of the Islamabad High Court construction project.
The Board granted approval for the extension of waste disposal arrangements, allowing garbage from Sector I-11, I-9, or other locations to be transported to the dumping site of Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) located at Losar, Chak Beli Khan Road, Rawalpindi, until a dedicated dumping site is established.
Furthermore, the meeting approved the revised CDA Accommodation Policy and endorsed the upgradation of the post of Medical Technologist.