RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has expressed serious concerns over the unlawful activities of several private housing schemes operating within the district, terming them an obstruction to sustainable and organised development.

It urged the district administration to take action against the marketing of illegal activities within its jurisdiction.

In a letter written by RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza to the Director General of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (Phata), it was stated that Phata has been granting permission to multiple housing schemes for development, advertisement and marketing despite their failure to obtain legal approval or conform to the master plan.

“This is not only a violation of legal regulations but is also causing significant harm to natural resources, particularly water reserves, the land’s natural structure, and the ecological balance,” she said.

The RDA Director General recommended that the additional deputy commissioner (revenue), Rawalpindi, immediately initiate actions such as issuing challans, notices and FIRs against these illegal activities, and work with the cyber crime wing to impose a complete ban on the online sale, marketing and transfer of plots through digital platforms.

“Immediate action should be taken against housing schemes such as Blue World City, Faisal Town Phase-2, and others. Attempts by some schemes to obtain approval from Phata by withdrawing their applications from the RDA are creating legal complications that must be addressed,” she said.

She added that the RDA’s position was clear and “all urban development should be carried out strictly under the Site Development Zone Plan and the Master Plan. She stated there is no provision in Phata’s rules that empowers it to grant permissions in Tehsil Rawalpindi without compliance.

Public complaints have revealed that several private schemes continue to sell plots, advertise and carry out development activities without approval.

This not only affects urban infrastructure but also causes financial losses to the public.

The letter further stated that strict legal measures against illegal housing schemes—those hindering sustainable, balanced, and planned development in Rawalpindi—are urgently needed.

Meanwhile, Ms Murtaza issued separate directives for the implementation of water conservation strategies, especially within clusters of private housing schemes.

These initiatives aim to safeguard local water resources, which are under increasing stress due to rapid urbanisation and unregulated water consumption.

Developers have been instructed to integrate sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling and the installation of water-efficient systems in all residential developments.

She also emphasised the enforcement of right-of-way regulations for rivers.

These guidelines are designed to ensure the preservation and proper management of riverbanks, prevent illegal encroachments and maintain natural water flow paths.

The goal is to balance urban development with environmental sustainability.

Additionally, she issued strict instructions to immediately halt the pollution of local water bodies by private housing developers.

She highlighted the urgent need for all housing schemes to install and maintain proper sewage treatment systems and to comply with environmental regulations.

She warned that strict legal action would be taken against any schemes found violating these directives.

“This is not just about compliance,” she said. “It’s about securing our future. Water is a critical resource, and we must act now to protect it for generations to come.”

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2025