Dilapidated buildings pose threat to lives

RAWALPINDI:

Despite the onset of the monsoon season and flood alerts in low-lying areas, hundreds of residents continue to live in dilapidated and officially declared dangerous buildings across Rawalpindi, putting the lives of numerous families at serious risk.

The Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation, Chaklala Cantonment Board, District Council and Evacuee Trust Property Board have repeatedly issued notices to residents of hazardous buildings.

However, effective measures to vacate the structures have yet to be taken.

Most of the deteriorating buildings are estimated to be between 120 and 170 years old. Several are two or three storeys high, while some have become four-storey structures due to additions made over the years.

In a number of these buildings, four to five families are living together, including women and children, further increasing concerns over their safety.

The hazardous structures are located in densely populated areas including Bohar Bazaar, Ghazni Road, Lal Haveli, Purana Qila, Dingi Khoi, Bagh Sardaran, Raja Bazaar, Bhabra Bazaar, Kartarpura, Androon Moti Bazaar, Mughal Sarai and Saddar Chhota Bazaar, among other localities.

Several historic temples and gurdwaras in the city have also been declared dangerous due to their deteriorating condition.

Every year during the monsoon season, incidents involving the collapse of roofs and walls of dilapidated buildings are reported. The narrow streets in many densely populated areas also make it difficult for emergency and rescue vehicles to reach the affected sites in the event of an accident.