CDA to implement environmental management plan during IJP Road project
Tuesday July 27, 2021
Islamabad: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) on Monday ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to make sure proper environmental management plan (EMP) is implemented during the rehabilitation and widening of IJP Road, according to media reports. According to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Monitoring Director Ahsan Rafi Kiani, CDA authorities were required to provide a Traffic Diversion Plan, a baseline data revived report, and the location of the camp office as the agency has acquired the IJP Road project. He went on to say that the information obtained must be shared in order for the EIA Report to be approved. Furthermore, the director advised CDA staff to make the required arrangements to relocate 1,265 trees from the project site. Mr Kiani added that it is critical to investigate the survival rate of the plants transplanted previously in Islamabad before transplantation. The CDA will also plant 8,000 trees along the route, according to reports. In addition, the director ordered CDA officials to design a working mechanism and a better location for plant operation during the project. Besides that, the director rejected the CDA’s proposal to dump waste or surplus material at the I-12 sector as it is a residential neighborhood. Instead, the Margalla Town site would be used for waste disposal. During the meeting, CDA officials informed participants that the entire length of the road to be rehabilitated and widened is 10.2 km. Two extra lanes will be added on both sides of the road as part of this project. Furthermore, it was stated that the project would be self-financed and will be implemented in 18 months. According to PC-I, the project’s estimated cost was PKR 6.9 billion. A total amount of PKR 120 million has also been set aside for environmental protection and conservation. In addition, two bridges and flyovers will be built, starting in Faizabad and ending at N-5. The EIA Monitoring Director Ahsan Rafi Kiani said that two camp office locations are being considered, one near Pirwadhai and the other at 9th Avenue. CDA authorities released further information regarding the IJP Road project. It was reported that four pedestrian bridges will be built on IJP Road, along with drains to help reduce water accumulation during the monsoon season.
