ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved several development projects to tackle water scarcity and improve sports facilities in Islamabad.
The CDA Development Working Party (DWP), chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, approved the PC-I for the construction of 100 rainwater recharge wells and 20 water tanks to conserve rainwater and raise the city’s groundwater level.
A budget of Rs185.28 million has been allocated for the recharge wells, while Rs1.4 billion has been set aside for water tanks.
Officials informed the meeting that 100 recharge wells built in recent years had produced positive results. The new tanks will help prevent wastage of rainwater and reduce dependence on tube wells.
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To tackle water pollution, DWP also approved the construction of 11 wetlands across the capital. These wetlands will scientifically treat polluted water before releasing it back into natural streams and water channels.
Sports Grounds Upgradation
The meeting also approved PC-I for upgrading five cricket and five football grounds with modern facilities. The project will cost Rs513.47 million.
The cricket grounds include Shalimar Cricket Ground, Diamond Cricket Ground, National Cricket Ground, and Marghazar Cricket Ground. These grounds were recently retrieved by CDA after being under the unauthorised control of private individuals for years.
Cricket enthusiasts, however, urged CDA to reduce the match fee of Rs15,000 per day, calling it unaffordable for club-level players.
“Upgrading the grounds is a good move, but the fee should be waived for weekend matches to promote sports at the grassroots level,” said a local club cricketer.
CDA Chairman Randhawa stated that revenue generated from the grounds would be used for their maintenance, beautification, and sports talent-hunt programs.
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Other Development Projects
The DWP also approved Rs88 million for the construction of an RCC sewer line in low-lying areas from Rawat T Chowk to Soan River. In addition, PC-I for a one-kilometre road in Sangjani was also cleared.
CDA Staff to Visit Vatican City
In a separate event, CDA held a balloting ceremony to select five Christian employees who will travel to Vatican City to perform religious duties.
The ceremony was attended by CDA Member Finance Tahir Naeem Akhtar, Member Engineering Syed Nafasat Raza, CDA Workers Union General Secretary Chaudhry Mohammad Yaseen, and other officials.
Earlier this year, CDA sent around 70 Muslim employees to perform Haj under a similar initiative.
