RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) sealed 10 commercial properties, including shops and plazas, and 20 residential buildings, both constructed and unreconstructed, on Thursday.

Enforcement Squad of RDA launched a monsoon enforcement drive targeting dangerous and illegal constructions along nullahs and encroachments around critical water bodies across the city during the ongoing monsoon season.

This operation, aligned with alerts from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), aims to prevent hazards during the ongoing monsoon season.

During inspections on Morgah, Shahpur, and Adiala road, RDA identified and sealed 10 commercial properties, including shops and plazas, as well as 20 residential, constructed/unreconstructed buildings.

“These structures were found to be structurally unstable and posed a serious hazard to both occupants and the public.

“Over seven First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against the owners to ensure accountability,” said RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza in a statement.

She emphasised that the authority is fully committed to ensuring public safety by proactively addressing illegal constructions and hazardous buildings, particularly those located on or near natural drainage channels.

She directed the enforcement teams to take strict action without discrimination.

She stated that the actions follow direct instructions from Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who has mandated a zero-tolerance policy on encroachments and illegal constructions and developments.

The DG RDA further stated that such operations are integral to the Authority’s broader vision of sustainable urban management and protection of the city’s infrastructure from the adverse impacts of climate-induced extreme weather events.

She has urged citizens to cooperate with the Rawalpindi Development Authorityin its efforts and avoid undertaking any illegal construction, especially on encroached land along nullahs and dams.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2025