Squatter huts mushroom across green zones in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: A large number of squatter huts have propped up in green zones across Islamabad as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) seems oblivious and unable to take any concrete action.

While asked about the illegal settlements, residents said that the issue has not been resolved despite complaining on the PM’s Citizen Portal. They said the CDA’s enforcement teams come over but demand payments before taking any action.

A discussion with the enforcement team revealed that action is not taken due to political interference in the matter. The staff members of the enforcement team said that they are restrained from taking action on several occasions and their hands remain tied.

Squatter huts and illegal settlements have mushroomed in green zones and other posh areas of the federal capital, where a sewerage drain is located. This also poses as security risks for the residents of the area leading to a rise in criminal incidents.

Apart from these settlements, well-informed sources have informed that garbage is being dumped in the sewerage drain by sanitation workers. This is affecting the flow the sewage to the local areas while workers are saving fuel costs which is sold to petroleum agencies.

Along with the illegal sale of diesel, the green zones have been allotted to scrap dealers who have set up businesses along the routes of the area. CDA officers allegedly receiving over half of the share when they allow such settlements.

When residents complain, they are told that there is a shortage of staff due to the coronavirus crisis. The residents of nearby sectors have demanded the government take strict action against negligent CDA officials and remove these squatter settlements.