Mountains of garbage threaten future of Sector I-12

Islamabad:The allottees of residential plots in Sector I-12 have expressed deep concern over the persistent garbage heaps towering several feet high in their area, highlighting a critical oversight in waste management by the authorities.

According to them, despite years of waiting, the massive piles of garbage remain largely unaddressed, posing serious health and safety risks to the sector’s future residents. Instead of responsibly transporting the waste to the designated disposal site, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has opted to spread and fill the garbage into the naturally lower sections of the plateau within Sector I-12. This approach carries significant long-term hazards for the area’s future inhabitants.

Kashif Iftikhar, an allottee of Sector I-12, expressed frustration at the state of affairs. “Two decades ago, Sector I-12 served as a dumping site for the entire city of Islamabad. The authorities are now filling the lower lands with this waste, and not a single dumper of garbage has been shifted outside the sector yet. Recently, due to poor planning, the CDA even moved garbage from the commercial area of Sector I-12/1 to a location near University Road within the same sector, creating a literal hill of garbage.”

He said decomposing waste can emit toxic gases like methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. "Buried garbage often leaches harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, possibly leading to severe public health crises over time. Future residents could face exposure to harmful bacteria, toxic substances, and unpleasant odours, undermining the area’s liveability.” Muhammad Masood Ilyas, another allottee, raised his concerns, pointing out, “The method of spreading garbage in lower-lying areas near University Road without proper compaction and soil treatment can lead to unstable ground.

"This increases the risk of land subsidence and structural damage to future buildings and infrastructure. Buildings constructed on such unstable foundations are prone to cracks, shifting, and even collapse over time, significantly increasing maintenance costs and safety risks.” Mubashir Hussain, another allottee, complained while the CDA administration was busy beautifying other parts of Islamabad, Sector I-12 had been left behind as there was garbage as far as the eye could see in the sector.

"The plot owners and investors may be deterred by the prospect of living on a dumping ground, which could diminish property values, stifle economic growth, discourage business investments, and limit the sector’s long-term development prospects,” he said. The allottees have called on CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa to direct authorities to reconsider their approach and adopt sustainable waste management practices. They stressed the need for proper garbage removal, soil rehabilitation, and comprehensive environmental impact assessments to ensure the safety and well-being of the sector’s future residents.