ISLAMABAD - Expressing reservations over the performance of Capital Development Authority [CDA], Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat Thursday directed CAAD to submit a detailed report within a week on cutting of precious trees during construction of metro bus project, corruption in their sale and plantation of new trees.
The committee expressed displeasure over careless cutting of trees and asked authorities to engage experts and submit a detailed report. The parliamentary panel met on Thursday in the Parliament House and Chairperson Committee Senator Kalsum Perveen chaired the meeting and Senator Dr Saeeda Iqbal, Senator Robina Khalid, Senator Saif Ullah Bangash, Senator Mashahid Ullah Khan, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Adnan Khan, CDA officials and Secretary CAAD attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the CDA officials informed the committee that 756 trees were cut during metro bus project and the authority had transplanted 3,773 small trees.
However the committee said “Precious and old trees have been cut and the green belts have been converted into parking lots.”
Responding to the question regarding action taken by the authority, the committee was informed that action had been taken against four officials and an inquiry regarding cutting of trees was under way.
“Excessive use of powers and financial irregularities in environment section of the CDA had marred the image of CDA which is getting worse with every passing day,” said chairman of the committee.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha asked CDA to submit a report regarding auction of timber. Agha asked whether or not the CDA had fulfilled legal requirements during auctions of timber.
The chairperson asked the authorities to submit a report on financial matters of the authority. She ordered that chairman CDA would ensure his presence in the next meeting and brief the committee on CDA performance and corruption and appointment related cases of CDA.
The chairperson also ordered the secretary CAAD to submit a briefed report on the cutting of trees and estimate the worth of cut trees and the cost of new plantation of plants in the city.
Senator Sughra Imam from the PPP pointed out that CDA did conduct investigations but had never shared the reports or apprised of the action taken against those who were found guilty.
Senator Haji Saifullah Bangash pointed out that Mustafeen Kazmi, who was given additional charge of environment department of the CDA, was made OSD several times for different allegations in the past and that the CDA chairman should himself come up for the briefing.