Residents of the garrison city have complained about the growing presence of commercial enterprises operating in purely residential areas of the city in connivance with the relevant departments.
Under the Punjab Local Government Ordinance, business activities cannot be carried out in housing colonies and the relevant municipal corporation officer is bound to ensure a conducive atmosphere for citizens.
However, a survey has shown that more than 100 illegal factories are operating in various residential colonies of the city. Of these, 40 are located along Khayaban-e-Sir Syed - Dhoke Najju, Bagh Sardaran, old Badar colony and Bangash colonies.
Dhoke Najju has become a hub for plants which recycle plastic materials for making shoes, refining leather goods and scrap-trade on a large scale.
Residents of the area told APP that the illegal commercial activities in the area have made their lives difficult as they have to bear with the unpleasant smell of chemicals which are used or produced when recycling plastics and refining leather.
"Small fires are almost a regular feature as there is no firefighting system or emergency exit," residents said in a letter to the chief minister.
Sheikh Yasir, a former councillor of Dhoke Najju alleged that the residential area is being used for commercial purposes in connivance with the staff of the Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation (RMC), adding that no one can dare start their business without the authority's support.
He was of the view that a 'monthly' is paid regularly to allow the businesses to run illegally in housing colonies.
"Chemicals are stored in large quantities in their premises without taking adequate safety measures," he said, adding that such premises also lack adequate firefighting equipment.
Further, he said that they operate without registering with any government institution. Hence, these factories escape detection and inspection by the relevant regulator.
Azeem Butt and Shabbir Mir, who live in houses opposite a bakery, a shoe factory and scrap warehouse are situated, complained that smoke from the burning of scrap material, cooking of bakery items and recycling of plastic for shoes fills their houses.
They added that the fumes are causing health complications for their children who frequently complain about shortness of breath and burning sensation in their eyes.
Talking to APP, former Rawal Town Council’s Town Member Shahida Shabir urged the deputy commissioner (DC) to take immediate notice of the issue and clear the residential areas of 'lethal activities, which have become a hub for various kinds of commercial activities.
She said that the hazardous activities have polluted the environment and have made the lives of inhabitants miserable. She feared an outbreak of a lethal disease due to unhealthy activities.
"The number of asthma patients is increasing in the colony."
When contacted, no official of the municipal administration was available to comment on the matter.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2020.
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