Illegal commercialisation plagues Pindi

Commercial businesses pop up in residential areas without NOCs

RAWALPINDI:

Already known for being congested, Rawalpindi’s problems are exacerbated by the fact that businesses and private educational institutions have started setting up shop in the residential areas of the city.

Residents of the federal capital’s twin city are dismayed at the blatant disregard of the law that businesses and educational institutions are engaging in by encroaching upon residential areas. The practice has increased traffic flow, worsened sanitation conditions, increased air pollution and noise pollution, and security issues.

Sajid Ahmed, a long term resident of the city, said that residential areas being used for commercial purposes had ruined the peace of the people. “There is always noise and chaos in the area and in all honesty it is a painful situation to be in,” Ahmed lamented. Nasir Bashir, another resident, said that the authorities concerned had adopted a policy of total silence against the illegal commercial activity in residential areas. “Even factories have started popping up in residential areas now,” Bashir said. Medical specialist, Dr Asrarul Haque agreed that the noise and chaos is detrimental for mental health.

Dr Haque cautioned that commercialization would create an unhealthy environment in residential areas which could lead to citizens suffering from nervous disorders and irritability. Given the health risks involved and lack of check and balance, The Express Tribune asked a spokesman of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board about the residents’ plight. “It is true that illegal business centres and private education institutions in residential areas have become a serious problem,” he conceded, adding that notices have been issued to them for relocation. However, there was not much else that could be done as the matter was pending in court.

Since a no objection certificate (NOC) has to be obtained from authorities for businesses in residential areas, The Express Tribune asked Amin Baig, an officer of the department as to why the NOCs were issued in the first place. “The department has not issued any NOCs at all. However, we do take action if a complaint is lodged.” On the other hand, RDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza said new master plan for Rawalpindi has become inevitable to protect residential areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2022.