RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has taken enforcement action against alleged construction violations and encroachments in the Abad Cooperative Housing Scheme, targeting structures that reportedly conflict with the approved Layout Plan (LOP).
The operation was carried out by the RDA Enforcement Squad on the directions of the Rawalpindi Division Commissioner and RDA Director General Salman Ghani. Officials focused on unauthorized structures, the use of green spaces for commercial purposes and construction activities that did not comply with the approved plan.
During the operation, the enforcement team removed curbstones and a gate installed at an RDA-owned Community Centre. It also demolished shops reportedly built on green strips in violation of the approved layout. In a separate action, officials sealed an under-construction commercial building located on a residential plot.
RDA Warns Developers Against Violations
RDA Director General Salman Ghani said the authority would take action against encroachments, unauthorized commercial activities and deviations from approved layouts. He directed developers and property owners to follow relevant building regulations and obtain the necessary approvals before carrying out construction or changing a property’s use.
The authority’s action highlights the importance of compliance with approved planning documents, particularly where residential plots, public facilities and designated green areas are concerned.
Survey Planned to Review Unauthorized Buildings
The RDA has also ordered a comprehensive survey to assess applicable fees for matters involving unauthorized buildings, commercialization, supplementary maps and structural plans. Officials have been directed to examine whether certain residential-cum-commercial buildings can be regularized under existing laws and regulations.
Regularization will depend on the applicable rules and the findings of the review; it should not be assumed that every unauthorized structure will qualify.
The latest operation serves as a reminder for buyers, investors and developers to verify approved layout plans, building permissions and permitted land use before purchasing property or starting construction. Further action may follow as the authority continues its review of alleged violations in the housing scheme.
