RAWALPINDI, Nov 2: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has completed the feasibility study for the setting up an economic zone outside the city limits where some business activities would shifted to enable the people of the city to live in better environment conditions.

Director General RDA Makeen Shahbaz told Dawn that an area of 1,000 acres had been allocated for the economic zone in an area which is close to the GT Road and links with the motorway.

Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has agreed to the proposal of Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) for the setting up the zone and entrusted the work to the RDA under the cluster development programme of the Punjab government. The project would soon be presented to the chief minister for final approval.

RCCI president Abdul Rauf Chaudhry said the proposal of the economic zone was proposed to the chief minister in August this year.

Initially, the marble industry, timber market, furniture, steel and cottage industries would be moved from city’s congested areas to the economic zone. The authorities expect that once the zone is set up, it would attract more business activities.

The growing marble industry has caused significant damage to the city environment as dumps of marble waste in the form of powder, pieces and liquid are lying on the I. J. Principal Road, Westridge, Jinnah Road and several other places. There is no scientific method in place for the disposal of this waste. The provincial Environment Protection Agency also seems to be least bothered about the problem.

The city has a strong market of furniture, woodworks and timber but it is situated in the city spreading over residential areas. The Stadium Road, Satellite Town, Faizabad, Murree Road, City-Sadar Road, Golra, Rawal Road and other places are flooded with furniture shops.

Similarly, there is no fixed area for the steel-related business resulting in mushrooming of steel and metal frames and makers of grills, doors, gates and other products in the vicinity of residential areas.