LAHORE, May 6: Local Government Minister Raja Basharat directed on Friday all DCOs and TMOs to strictly enforce related laws to curb business of combustible material in residential areas to prevent loss to the lives and property of people. The minister has said under the rules it was necessary to seek permission of the government for storing and selling combustible material in any locality. But the business was being carried out without any permission leading to serious incidents.

He directed the DCOs to immediately take action against those running such business in residential localities, and submit report after shifting them to the commercial and industrial areas determined by the TMAs.

The minister regretted that majority TMAs were running their affairs through obsolete methods, asking them to disallow commercial activities in residential colonies. They should especially keep an eye on the sale and storage of items like gas cylinders, petrol and other combustible material.

He directed them to strictly supervise construction of plazas in cities to ensure their completion strictly in accordance with the approved building plans and standards.

Stern action would be taken against the officials concerned if it was found that a plaza had been constructed in violation of the approved plan.

He constituted a cell under a local government department additional secretary to monitor reports to be sent by the DCOs and TMOs in compliance of the orders.