LAHORE: There is a plan to introduce an authority for keeping effective control over the construction of high-rises and other buildings in the urban and peri-urban areas in the province.

The proposed Punjab Building Control Authority will monitor the construction quality, building control measures, health, safety and environmental standards of the designs of the buildings, an official said on Saturday, adding there was no such effective control on the sector at present.

As per the proposed design of the authority, it will be established in every division. Headed by divisional commissioner, it will have a director-general as its member in the division, besides mayors of urban councils, deputy commissioners, one each architect, urban planner and architectural engineer.

It will regulate all matters pertaining to construction, alteration and demolition of all residential, commercial and industrial high-rises having more than five stories above the ground, also approving building plans, issuing construction permission and ensuring compliance with the master plan. Other types of buildings will also be under its control.

The proposed authority will have powers to seal buildings built in violation of rules and regulations, or to demolish illegal constructions and dangerous buildings.

It will charge fees and impose fines on violations.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2018