Illegal housing schemes proliferate

Vehari administration vows action, cautions buyers

VEHARI:

A sharp increase in the number of illegal and unapproved housing schemes across Vehari and its surrounding areas has caused fears that billions of rupees in public investment may be lost.

Speaking on the issue, acting Deputy Commissioner Babar Suleman confirmed that action against unregistered housing schemes had begun.

Residents complain of lack of basic amenities and regulatory oversight in the colonies. Despite being declared illegal, construction activities in several towns continue openly, while the authorities remain largely inactive.

In many areas, even basic infrastructure like paved roads is absent with little more than dirt paths provided.

Some developers have sold plots but left the buyers without any support or services.

According to sources, up to 95 per cent of private housing colonies in Vehari are unregistered, and their number is increasing.

The illegal schemes often lack essential services such as sewerage systems, water supply, and road infrastructure, yet plots continue to be demarcated and sold.

Authorities have blocked registry services for the unapproved societies but have yet to take more effective enforcement measures.

Only a handful of the housing societies have fulfilled all legal requirements and paid government dues in full.

The sources said the owners of the unapproved schemes banked on influence to avoid action.

DC Babar Suleman reiterated that developers of unregistered colonies are not permitted to sell plots.

"If any developer proceeds to sell without registration, legal action will be taken," he stated, adding that some owners begin development at the sites without even applying for approval, which is outright illegal. "We are sealing such sites immediately," he asserted.

A spokesperson for the district council said a list of unregistered colonies had been made public and legal proceedings against their owners had commenced.

"We urge citizens not to purchase plots in unregistered colonies or fall for deceptive offers. Buyers must verify a colony's status with us before any purchase," an official advised.