RAWALPINDI: Acting on the directives of the Director General, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Kinza Murtaza, the RDA enforcement squad conducted targeted operations against unauthorised commercial cum residential buildings on Dhamial Kalyal Road, G.T. Road and Chak Beli Khan Road, Rawalpindi.

During the operation, the squad sealed seven illegal and unauthorised commercial markets and three homes, according to an RDA spokesperson.

The operation was carried out by the Enforcement Squad, which included the Assistant Director of Building Control, Building Inspectors, and other officials, with the support of the Dhamial and Rawat police.

The owners of the properties and homes were found in violation of approved building plans and maps. Despite prior notices issued by the RDA, the owners continued to flout regulations, breaching the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and the RDA Building and Zoning Regulations 2021 by constructing illegal commercial buildings without obtaining the necessary approvals or No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

DG RDA, Kinza Murtaza, has directed the Land Use & Building Control (LU&BC) Wing to enforce stringent measures against encroachments, unauthorized constructions, and illegal commercial activities. The Building Control Wing has also been instructed to assess fees and charges associated with the approval of illegal residential and commercial buildings, commercialization, and related building plans, with the goal of regularizing all such structures within RDA’s jurisdiction.

The RDA urges the general public to take moral responsibility in removing any form of encroachment to avoid further penalties and losses.

Published in Dawn, November 29th, 2024