Building collapse sparks evacuation drive
Following the collapse of a dilapidated and vacant building in Bohar Bazaar owing to heavy rainfall, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have launched a city-wide emergency operation, declaring over 200 multi-storey buildings, aged between 100 to 150 years and in a state of disrepair, dangerous and ordering to be vacated immediately.
Warning notices have been issued to residents living in and around these fragile structures, as well as to those residing along the 22-kilometer-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal stormwater drains. These areas are prone to flooding, and the pre-monsoon rains have already submerged up to 70% of the city under three feet of water.
Authorities have announced that if any building collapses, FIRs (First Information Reports) will be filed against its occupants. Legal action will also be taken against owners, tenants, and residents who fail to comply with the evacuation notices.
Despite spending Rs80 million on cleaning Nullah Leh and Rs60m on clearing storm drains, floodwaters have still entered homes and shops in low-lying areas, causing losses worth millions of rupees. In response, the Chief Officer of the RMC has launched a public awareness campaign, warning of severe legal consequences for families refusing to vacate dangerous buildings.
Technical assistance is being offered to residents for building repairs. Furthermore, notices have been issued to evacuate all settlements located along Nullah Leh and storm drains. Encroachments, including animal shelters, must be removed immediately.
The ETPB has also issued final notices to tenants occupying around 250 properties — buildings, plazas, and shops — asking them to vacate leaking and structurally unsound premises.
These century-old and older buildings are primarily located in Rawalpindi's old city areas, including Mohalla Shah Chan Chiragh, Pul Shah Nazar Dewan, Mohalla Niyarian, Bohar Bazaar, Bhabi Bhara Bazaar
Raja Bazaar, Trunk Bazaar, Moti Bazaar, areas around Lal Haveli, Purana Qila, Ghazni Road, Bagh Sardaran, Kartarpura, Angatpura, Sarafa Bazaar
Landa Bazaar, Narankari Bazaar, Kalan Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Sarai Mughal, both sides of Jamia Masjid Road, Tyre Bazaar, Chitian Hattian, Teli Mohalla, Ganjmandi, and Gawalmandi.