Long-term beautification plan discussed for Islamabad

Islamabad:Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa chaired a meeting on Wednesday to discuss a comprehensive long-term beautification plan for Islamabad. The meeting was attended by the Member Environment, senior officers from the Environment Wing, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the Director of Municipal Administration (DMA).

During the meeting, Randhawa emphasized the Prime Minister’s recognition of the recent beautification efforts for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. However, he stressed the importance of sustaining these efforts to ensure the long-term beautification of the capital city. Randhawa underlined the need to build in-house capacity within the CDA to maintain the beautification initiatives. An innovative idea was proposed to hold a competition among university students to gather fresh ideas and create a talent pool that could work alongside the CDA in enhancing the city's aesthetic appeal. He was also briefed on the current beautification drive taking place in Islamabad.

The Director General of Environment provided an update on the ongoing horticulture activities, including tree plantation efforts aimed at transforming Islamabad into a "city of flowers." The meeting also decided to make all existing fountains operational across the city. Additionally, Randhawa directed the resumption of work on developing a dancing fountain at Ankara Park.

Further directives were given for the installation of permanent lighting along Constitution Avenue, other key areas, and around design elements integral to the beautification projects. The MCI was instructed to replicate the installation of digital streamers in all major commercial centres (marakiz) and at the city’s interchanges.

In terms of city management, Randhawa tasked the MCI with developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for kiosks across Islamabad, in consultation with the Law, Planning, and Environment Wings. This matter will be presented at the upcoming board meeting. He also stressed that the city's master plan and environmental factors must be considered, particularly regarding the use of open spaces by restaurants and hotels. Randhawa emphasized that the open spaces in commercial centers must be utilized in a manner that preserves the city's green belts, ensuring that Islamabad's natural beauty remains undisturbed.