RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Saturday initiated legal proceedings against two housing schemes, Bahria Town Phase-VIII and Faisal Hills, located at Mouzas Dera, Pind Gondal, Dhoke Saido and Shah Wali Shah, Rawalpindi for encroachments along the bank of Soan River.

FIRs have been lodged against the developers and sponsors of both the schemes at Rawat Police Station and Wahdat Colony Police Station, Taxila (Rawalpindi).

Bahria Town Phase-VIII is accused of encroachments along the Bank of Soan River, unauthorised development without RDA approval, illegal sale and advertisement of plots on social media and discharging sewage and chemically contaminated water into the river in violation of environmental laws.

RDA investigations have found that Faisal Hills has expanded beyond its approved boundaries and illegal development work is underway. The general public is being misled through unauthorized booking and advertising campaigns.

Housing societies accused of encroaching upon bank of Soan River

Both schemes have failed to obtain the mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) from RDA, which is in violation of the Punjab Development of Cities Act 1976 and the Punjab Private Housing Schemes and Land Subdivision Rules 2021.

RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to uphold urban planning regulations. She said we are taking firm and lawful action against all illegal housing schemes and unauthorised construction without fear or favour. Such violations will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

She emphasised that the crackdown follows clear instructions from the Punjab Chief Minister, who has mandated a zero-tolerance policy on illegal developments, encroachments, and unauthorized commercial activities.

The RDA DGurged the general public to avoid investing in unapproved housing schemes, always verify the legal status from RDA. For more information and verification of housing schemes, citizens are advised to visit the official RDA website atwww.rda.gop.pk.

SoanRiveris oneofthe major water bodyofPotohar plateau passing through the heartofthe garrison city and cultivating Potohar region. Theriverwasofthe immense importance for the city. However, during the recent times, it has been observed that flood plains andrightofthe wayof Soanriveris heavily encroached upon and the water flow obstructed.

No construction zone is allowed to protect the natural flowoftheriver. Urban flood concerns will become serious due to encroachments and illegal construction activities.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has also sought help of the district revenue department and irrigation department for the demarcation of right of way of SoanRiver so it will start drive against illegal structures.

RDADirector General Kinza Murtaza told Dawn that the civic body wanted the details of demarcation of right of way of SoanRiver from district revenue department so we will start action against the illegal structure around the river.

She said that after the flood in SoanRiver last week, there was a dire need to start action in the jurisdiction of RDAso flood like situation is avoided in the coming days. On the other hand, in 2023, the then commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatta had asked to carry out exercise for demarcationofflood plain and rightofwayof SoanRiver but the work was not started.

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2025