From 1960 to 2023, and continuing, the role of CDA in the development of Islamabad has been tremendous; without their efforts, the landscape of the capital would never be the same. From planning, and designing to well-developed, CDA-approved structures, CDA played a significant role in building one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
CDA has magnified modernity with sustainability, the body has fostered environmental consciousness and a strategic, well-planned ideology for modern urbanization. Also, it works for community welfare, resonating with their larger aims for Islamabad.
The role of CDA in Islamabad
Brief History of CDA Islamabad
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) Islamabad, established in 1960, plays a pivotal role in shaping the capital’s urban landscape. Over the decades, it has managed infrastructure, meticulous planning, green spaces, and public facilities.
The body has completely transformed Islamabad into an ultra-modern hub of commercial properties thriving, boosting, and encouraging high-quality businesses within the city’s boundaries. This lifts the high quality and standard of living of life in Islamabad.
Today, we will explore and explain in detail the core of CDA’s role by tracing its historical context, responsibilities, significant contributions, and milestones that have molded the three dimensions of Islamabad’s present, past, and promising future.
The CDA Ordinance of 1960: Establishing the Foundation for Progress
The establishment of the CDA was formalized by the CDA Ordinance 1960. This Ordinance provides a legal framework for authorities’ functions and defines its powers and responsibilities. Initially, an executive order on June 24, 1960, titled the Pakistan Capital Regulation, the CDA Ordinance was issued on June 27, 1960, outlining the authority’s mandate.
Primarily, the Ordinance has twofold objectives: firstly, the development and planning of the capital city, Islamabad; secondly, empowering the CDA authority to function as a Municipal Committee. Therefore, taking care of cleanliness, health, education/awareness of the inhabitants, and the supply of goods. It also looks after the various public common good sections, emphasizing/ promoting advancement.
Capital Development Authority is expected to be transparent, honest, and fair in all its conducting interests of the public it serves.
Duties and Facilities Provided by the Capital Development Authority (CDA)
CDA is the regularity authority that establishes and enforces basic standards like building codes, environmental standards, and standard public safety measures. It assures that construction standards adhere to safety and quality measures. It also takes maintenance responsibilities, road repairs, and keeping up with public infrastructure. It comprehensively contributes to the city’s aesthetics and efficient functioning.
CDA Islamabad ensures that the city gives its residents, businesses, real estate investors, potential customers, and many more, national or International public, all the best facilities to use and enjoy.
Additionally, the CDA collects the garbage; this is the primary essential service for maintaining the hygiene of the city and the service for maintaining cleanliness. Even the authority looks after waste disposal and implements eco-friendly waste management practices.
Furthermore, the detailed responsibilities of the body are;
- Urban Development and Infrastructure: CDA’s foremost responsibility is maintaining Urban planning and infrastructure development for all residential and commercial real estate projects. This includes providing utility services, creating road networks, and establishing public transportation systems that cater to the needs of residents.
- Residential and Commercial Areas Management: Hence, CDA’s role is to develop the city’s residential and commercial areas. It has developed the designs as per convenience and organization of the living spaces. The authority assures that all sectors are fully equipped with essential amenities like hospitals, schools, gyms, restaurants, and commercial centers.
- Recreational Parks and Green Areas: CDA is committed to making Islamabad greener with open spaces and constructing more parks. It has already developed various parks, such as F-9 Park and Shakarparian Park, and many more across all the major areas, including Blue Area, Jinnah Avenue, Faisal Avenue, and other neighborhoods. These parks add to the city’s leisure, relaxation, and aesthetic propositions.
- Regulations for Land Procurement and Development: CDA exercises development and control of land acquisition, assuring acquired land follows procedures regarding the city plans and respective authorization. CDA’s approach is essential for maintaining a balance between sustainability and development.
Directories and Wings of CDA
CDA Islamabad has various directories and wings. Each of them has specialized aspects for the development of the city. Some of the wings and directories are…
- Administration Wing: It looks after human resource recruitment, management, and day-to-day administration.
- Chairman Secretariat: It oversees the entire functions of CDA and ensures effective coordination amongst wings.
- Estate Wing: It manages the development and management of land, including plot allocation and properties within residential and commercial sectors.
- Engineering Wing: It looks after the design infrastructure maintenance of projects, including bridges, roads, and public buildings.
- Planning & Design Wing: It formulates urban development strategies, zone regulations, and master plans so that the city’s structure is well-planned, catering to the increasing growth/pouring in of population.
- Environment Wing: It focuses on implementing initiatives for a sustainable and green city to preserve its natural environment, monitoring and controlling pollution levels.
- Finance Wing: It manages the financial affairs of CDA, be it for budgeting, funds allocation to development projects, and financial planning.
