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ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): The officers from Punjab’s 7th Post Induction Training Course were given an extensive briefing on the federal capital’s planning and governance during a visit to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters on Tuesday.
The delegation was welcomed by senior officials before Director General Urban Planning, Zafer Iqbal, outlined the authority’s operations, its planning structure and the regulatory framework guiding Islamabad’s development.
He also highlighted the city’s master plan, zoning rules and the pressures facing the rapidly expanding capital.
CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, responding to questions from participants, said water conservation had become a central priority.
He noted that the newly established Islamabad Water Agency would oversee water and sewage management, while several projects—run with international partners—aim to improve the city’s strained water resources.
Randhawa said digitisation of land records was under way to tackle encroachments and resolve longstanding land disputes.
He added that work was progressing on a new solid waste management system and a scientific landfill site to modernise waste disposal.
Environmental Impact Assessments and feasibility studies, he said, were mandatory for all major construction schemes, including interchanges and underpasses.
Efforts were being made to ensure new projects met environmental standards, with the CDA also exploring opportunities to earn carbon credits.
He added that although new sectors were being opened at pace, equal attention was being paid to upgrading older neighbourhoods.
A digital parking system is being introduced across the city, with the revenue to be reinvested in urban improvement and beautification.
Member Planning and Design, Dr Khalid Hafiz, told the visiting officers that 100 large recharge wells were being installed across Islamabad to help replenish groundwater, with plans for 20 major water storage tanks also under way.
He said the city’s mass transit system currently comprises four metro bus routes supported by 160 electric feeder buses.
The visit concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields and a group photograph.