Consultants of CDA oppose Margalla Tunnel project
Pakistan Times National News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The consultants hired by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to review the master plan of Islamabad have opposed the project of Margalla Tunnel and have called for less human activity on Margallas.

In the preliminary proposal submitted to the CDA, the consultants namely MM Pakistan have suggested that the Margalla Tunnel project should not be executed, as it would harm environment and beauty of Margalla Hills.

In future, the federal capital should be developed in a way that it is covered by green area from Margalla Hills to Zone IV and the city expands towards the western side instead of taking it across Margalla Hills, the sources quoted the consultants as having suggested.

The consultants gave a presentation on the preliminary proposals of reviewed master plan here Saturday. CDA Chairman Kamran Lashari, members of the CDA Board and other officials were present on the occasion.

In their vision of reviewed master plan, the consultants have given concept of ‘Garden City of Islamabad’ or ‘Green City of Islamabad’. The consultants observed that Haripur district is not far away from Islamabad, therefore, there is no need for connecting the capital with Haripur through a tunnel.

In the proposals, it has also been submitted that the economic zones and special residential areas should be developed for the people from low-income group.

In the reviewed master plan, which was first prepared in 1960, a mass transit system and railway system around Islamabad city with main stations at Golra, Lohibher and Rawalpindi has also been suggested to resolve problem of transport in the city.

The sources said the consultants have given two options of reviewed master plan to the CDA. In one of the options, they have suggested industrial activity at boundaries of Islamabad towards Zone V while in the second option, it has been suggested to increase limits of Islamabad towards Rawat and Kahuta for development of industrial zones.

The consultants have also suggested development of Lohibher Lake in Lohibher area along Korang Nullah with creation of Lohibher metro-civic centre and a recreational centre to lessen burden of visitors on Rawal Lake.

It has also been suggested that expansion of Blue Area should be stopped at Golra Mor where a major business and industrial zone could be developed.

The consultants have also proposed the CDA to strengthen its administrative control on Rawal Lake by linking it with Diplomatic Enclave in Zone I to save it from effects of pollution.●