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RAWALPINDI, Jul 26 (APP):The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has expressed serious concerns over the unlawful activities of several private housing schemes operating within the district.
These activities are obstructing sustainable and organized development, violating the Master Plan/Site Development Zone Plan, and posing threats to the environment.
In a letter written by the Director General of RDA, Ms. Kinza Murtaza, to the Director General of 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.
RDA has 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 illegal online plot sales, marketing, and transfers through digital platforms.
Immediate action should be taken against Blue World City, Faisal Town Phase 2 and other unapproved schemes.
Attempts by some schemes to get approval from PHATA by withdrawing their applications by RDA are creating legal complications, which must be addressed.
RDA’s position is clear that all urban development should be done only under the Site Development Zone Plan and Master Plan. There is no provision in the rules of PHATA that empowers it to grant permission without compliance in Rawalpindi Tehsil. The public complaints have clarified that several private schemes are continuing to sell plots, advertise and carry out development activities without approval, which is not only affecting the urban infrastructure but also causing financial loss to the public.
The letter also said that strict legal measures against illegal housing schemes that are hindering sustainable, balanced and planned development in Rawalpindi have become the need of the hour. The cooperation of the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency in this regard is absolutely essential.