
Cable car, chairlift planned to boost tourism
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) chief on Monday directed the officials concerned to prepare the PC-1 for the operation of a cable car and chairlift from the scenic Daman-e-Koh to Saidpur to promote tourism. The revenue generated from this project will be utilised to develop Islamabad.
He also directed to hand over developed plots in Sector E-12 to their owners subject to the clearance of all dues after Eidul Fitr.
In this regard, CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, chaired two separate meetings which were attended by the Chinese consultant delegation, CDA members for Planning, Finance, and Environment, as well as other senior officers.
Addressing the meeting, Randhawa said that the cable car and chairlift would be included among Islamabad's prime tourist attractions to boost tourism and the city's economy. He added that the income generated from this project would be used for the city's development.
The Commissioner instructed that the preliminary feasibility study reports for the cable car and chairlift should be completed promptly. He also directed to review the safety of a cable car as compared to a chairlift to ensure a more secure installation plan. He also instructed the preparation of the PC-1 for the project and urged a step-by-step approach for its future planning.
The Chinese delegation praised the CDA Chairman's efforts to promote tourism and recreational facilities in Islamabad and expressed their full support, offering to share China's technical expertise and experience.
Meanwhile, in a meeting regarding sector development, Randhawa instructed that, after Eidul Fitr, owners of developed plots in Sector E-12 be gradually handed over possession of their plots once development work is completed and development charges are paid.
He emphasised accelerating development work in all new sectors and specifically mentioned the need to expedite work in Sector C-14. It was reported that the road infrastructure of Sector C-14 is in the final stages, and other developmental works, including roads, drainage, sewage, and street lighting, will be completed by June. The chairman was informed that IESCO has issued demand notices to ensure electricity supply to Sector C-14.
He directed that possession of plots in Sector C-14 be handed over before the final payment is made. Randhawa also reviewed the progress of development in Sector E-12 and instructed the Member Estate to provide a comprehensive solution. He stressed that development work in the mentioned sectors should be expedited after Eidul Fitr and all obstacles should be resolved on a priority basis.
Regarding Sector I-12, the CDA Chairman instructed that all garbage be cleared from the central area promptly and that the remaining development work be completed immediately.
The meeting also discussed the progress of development in Sector C-15 and Sector C-16. The Islamabad Chief Commissioner directed the Engineering and Estate wings to prioritise resolving all obstacles, saying he would personally visit the new sectors soon to resolve various issues.
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