The long-standing boundary dispute between the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally been resolved, paving the way for enhanced governance and municipal services. This resolution, a milestone in local administration, brings clarity to the overlapping boundaries of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and aims to eliminate financial losses previously incurred by the RCB due to tax collection challenges.
Background of the Boundary Dispute
The dispute arose as residents in overlapping areas failed to pay taxes to the RCB, leading to significant financial losses. Historically, the RCB was established in 1849, with its boundaries defined in 1957, while the CDA was formed in 1960, with Islamabad’s boundaries delineated in 1963. This mismatch in timelines and jurisdictions fueled disagreements over the years.
Following the federal cabinet’s approval of changes to Islamabad’s master plan, the RCB is now set to incorporate portions of Islamabad into its jurisdiction. This change will allow the RCB to extend its services and enforce tax collection in newly defined areas.
New Boundaries and Implications
The new boundaries, as announced, will include sectors G-13, G-14, H-13, H-15, I-12, and I-14, which were previously part of Islamabad. Additional areas such as Golra Road, EME College, Chungi No 26, and Motorway Chowk are now under the RCB’s jurisdiction.
To solidify these changes, the RCB will install boundary pillars, ensuring clarity and preventing future disputes. This move is expected to improve tax collection and civic services, benefiting both residents and the local administration.
Impact on Residents
While the resolution brings governance benefits, it has also raised concerns among residents. Key issues include:
- Property Ownership: Residents in areas like Golra Mor and Haji Camp are uncertain about the legal status of their properties, as they were initially registered under Islamabad’s jurisdiction. Clarification on property documentation is being sought.
- Police Jurisdiction: Questions about which police stations will serve the newly defined areas remain unanswered but are expected to be addressed soon.
- Municipal Services: The RCB has assured residents that the transition will lead to improved municipal services, including upgraded water supply systems and tube wells, which were previously managed by the RCB.
Benefits of the Resolution
This historic decision is expected to bring multiple benefits:
- Enhanced Tax Collection: The RCB can now effectively collect property taxes from residents in the newly included areas, reducing tax evasion.
- Improved Services: Clear jurisdiction will streamline infrastructure development and municipal services like water supply and road maintenance.
- Efficient Governance: Resolving the boundary dispute ensures better coordination between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, benefiting residents of the twin cities.
Moving Forward
The resolution of the boundary dispute between the RCB and CDA marks a turning point in addressing administrative inefficiencies in the twin cities. With defined boundaries and clear jurisdiction, residents can expect more efficient governance, improved municipal services, and greater accountability from local authorities.
As this transition unfolds, it is crucial for both the RCB and CDA to address residents’ concerns regarding property ownership and law enforcement jurisdiction, ensuring a smooth and equitable implementation of the new boundaries.
For more updates on civic developments in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, stay tuned to PropertiesPakistan.com—your trusted source for real estate news and insights.
