Illegal constructions overwhelm Rawalpindi

Large-scale illegal commercial constructions have flourished within the limits of the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), violating building codes and regulations.

According to sources, numerous four- and five-storey buildings are being constructed without proper commercialisation, approved building plans, or parking setbacks, resulting in significant financial losses to the municipal corporation.

The planning and Building Control Department has turned a blind eye to the rampant construction of commercial buildings, plazas, and hostels on residential plots, openly disregarding approved building plans. Meanwhile, the District Planning and Design Committee (DPDC), responsible for overseeing such developments, has not convened a meeting in a long time, contributing to the problem's persistence.

In blatant defiance of regulations, the construction of commercial buildings continues without the necessary approvals. The municipal corporation has ignored the need to follow approved building plans in residential areas and ensure that plots are properly commercialised for commercial purposes. This negligence has led to the loss of millions in potential revenue from commercialisation fees and building plan approvals.

Illegal constructions have spread across many areas, including D Block Satellite Town, making life difficult for residents. Streets designed for residential traffic are now overwhelmed by commercial activity. The mandatory 20-foot setbacks and 20-foot wide street requirements for commercial buildings have been flagrantly ignored, with buildings erected on streets as narrow as 16 to 18 feet, causing severe parking and congestion issues.

In violation of the law, five-storey buildings have sprung up on plots as small as 5 to 7 marlas, with commercial hostels operating on residential building plans. These hostels are equipped with commercial electricity and gas meters, despite regulations requiring residential meters for such buildings. Additionally, a private hospital near Government Boys College in Satellite Town constructed a five-storey building despite only having approval for three floors. Influential backers and lobbying from opposition figures helped push through the illegal construction, further undermining the rule of law.

The proper procedure for commercial construction involves referral to the DPDC for approval, followed by the payment of commercialisation and building plan fees. Construction can only begin after the plan is approved, with the Planning and Building Control Department responsible for ensuring compliance throughout the process. A completion certificate is required before any building can be occupied, along with the installation of fire safety systems and emergency routes.

However, these legal requirements remain largely ignored in Rawalpindi, where over 100 commercialisation cases are stuck in limbo due to the DPDC's inactivity. The backlog of cases awaiting referral to the committee continues to grow, further exacerbating the situation.

The chief officer of the RMC has acknowledged the issue of rampant illegal construction and has directed the relevant department to prepare a report and take action against the building owners involved.