CDA to make Islamabad environment friendly city'.

Islamabad, April 27, 2010 (Frontier Star): Islamabad is the only planned city of Pakistan, which could also be ranked among the most beautiful and green cities around the world. This was stated by the Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Imtiaz Inayat Elahi, on the occasion of presentation to the students along with faculty members from the Department of Geography, Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-7/4 here at CDA Headquarters on Tuesday. 20 students led by two faculty members of the Department of Geography, Islamabad Model College for Girls, F-7/4 visited CDA Headquarters in connection with their research paper for geography on "Urban Development of Islamabad from 1960 - 2010". Chairman CDA Imtiaz Inayat Elahi briefed the students about the historical background of Islamabad to be chosen as capital city and informed them in detail about its evolution and development over decades. He said that CDA is contemplating on different ventures to protect the green character of the city as well as the rich biodiversity found in the Margallah Hills National Park. He said that CDA is collaborating with different organizations to enhance the tree cover in the federal capital and focus is being given to planting the indigenous species of plants in the city. He said the wildlife in the area is being taken care of in the efforts to preserve natural environment. He said that the projects are being implemented to revive the natural flow of ravines and streams. He said the Islamabad is the first city of the country to launch the rainwater harvesting programmes to enrich the ground water availability. Member Environment, Mazhar Hussain also briefed the students about the efforts made by CDA to make Islamabad as environment friendly city and to maintain its green character. Deputy Director General Planning briefed the students about phase-wise development of the city. He informed the students that Islamabad is divided into five zones and most of the development work in the capital city took place in late 1970s and 1980s. He also said that CDA along side the development took care of preserving the cultural heritage and natural environment. He said that medium rise buildings during 1990s are result of scarcity.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)