In Rawalpindi, residential areas being swallowed up by commercial ventures. DESIGN: FAIZAN DAWOOD.
Thousands of cases of violation of laws governing land use in residential areas are evident throughout the garrison city, but municipal officials seem to be in no mood to take action.
“The place where National Market has been built was designated as a parking space for the surrounding localities. It has now turned into a full-fledged market thanks to city managers, making life tough for us,” said Binte Fatima, a resident of Asghar Mall Scheme.
“As commercial activities gain momentum in our neighborhood, we have to deal with the filth and noise pollution,” said Afshan Sharif living near National Market on Kali Tanki Road.
We have been deprived of privacy as commercial units have sprung up right in front of our houses. We cannot just move out as we have lived here for two generations, said a resident of Tench Bhata.
“We know many people who want to set up a side business to support their families. The idea is not bad if it is limited to running a small enterprise like a grocery shop but building commercial plazas in residential areas is pushing it a bit,’’ said Dr Imam Ali, who runs a clinic in Commercial Market, Satellite Town.
“A two-storey plaza on two marlas has come up just opposite my house. I don’t know who gave them the permission to do so in a residential locality,’’ said Jamila Sheikh, a resident of Fazal Town.
There is little difference between residential and commercial areas in Rawalpindi city and cantonment now, said Naveed Hussain, a lawyer. Hundreds of companies have set up their offices in many residential localities like Asghar Mall, Dhoke Kashmirian, Dhoke Kala Khan and Shamsabad, he added. “Even industrial activities in some residential localities like Tehmasabad, Glass Factory Chowk and Banni are no secret.”
Jhanda Chichi, Tahli Mohri, Sir Syed Chowk, Mareer Hasan, Dhoke Charagh Din have all been commercialized, Hussain stated. The situation is the same in Tench Bhata, People’s Colony, Kamalabad, Misrial Road, Range Road and Peshawar Road. “Dhoke Syedan, Scheme III, Harley Street, Westridge, Dheri Hassanabad, Tariqabad, Dhoke Hassu, Quaid-i-Azam Colony and Adiala Road are no exception.”
It is alleged that commercial units come up in residential areas by greasing the palms of officials,” said Tassawar Hussain, a businessman.
“The question is who pays these officials? The briber is the one at fault. If a case like this comes to our notice, we will definitely take action,” said Safdar Karim, an RDA official.
Satellite Town is a brilliant example of how poor urban planning can ruin a residential locality, said Hashim Ali, a resident of D Block.
“Unchecked growth of commercial organisations has reduced this once-posh locality to a clutter of educational institutes, health centres, clinics, bakeries, grocery shops, offices and restaurants.”
Similarly, residential plots and buildings around Holy Family Hospital have been transformed into commercial spaces, complexes and offices, while the civic authorities have turned a blind eye, he added.
Col (retd) Ejaz Malik from Katarian summed it up. “It’s hard to say whether the Rawal Town Tehsil Municipal Administration, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Chaklala Cantonment Board or Rawalpindi Development Authority is responsible for the mess. But it seems all of them have joined hands to destroy the peace of the city’s residents.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2013.
COMMENTS (17)
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When the Rawalpindi was not as congested as it is today mostly through unauthorized constructions the Moharram processions were easy to take out because of the peaceful open surroundings. I just pity the city fathers who are so indifferent to the people's problems.
One would think, in Rawalpindi, based on ongoing comments, significant strides would be made in the effort to save city from unauthorized commercialized, but let me assure you our city fathers are not fond of reading anything against them and if occasionally by chance they read all urgings made in real earnest fall on their deaf ears.
Residential areas are being used for commercial purposes in connivance with the staff of civic bodies as no one could dare start their business without the authority's backing.
Converting a residential property to a commercial one raises its value by anywhere between 200 and 400%, depending on its location and demand. That’s the reason for increased demand for commercialization of residential areas.
Mr. Zahid Hussain, yes, business ventures should not be allowed in areas having road-width less than 18 meters.
There is a cure to commercialization, Mr. Zubair. Development authorities may be allowed to open commercial setups and shops in residential units, but they should keep a minimum 18 to 23 meters road width condition for it. They should also specify different kinds of businesses which can be run in houses, depending on the road width.
Roads and streets of Rawalpindi city and Cantonment area are full of clinics, dispensaries, diagnostic centers, banks, guest houses, gyms, schools and colleges, coaching and tuition centers, car showrooms, auto workshops. Construction material, furniture, printing, painting, meat, chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables shops, hair cutting salons, beauty parlors, tea-stalls, cyber-cafes, laundries, dry-cleaning, ironing centers and marble product shops are also visible. Bakery, confectionery, general store, dairy product, stationery, gift-outlet, book-binding, photostat, fax, PCO, flour-grinding, sweet-shops, chemists, optical centers, tailors, electronic repair, photo studio, cable offices, hosiery/ready-made garments and cycle repair shops can also be seen. With the rise of population, there is no cure to it.
Unauthorized use of the residential plots by their owners for commercial purposes has worsened the city traffic system. Limitless vehicles flow into such areas and aggravate the traffic condition. Our area Lalkurti is one such area.
Sprawl destroys the defining character of suburbs by conferring upon them many problems associated with urban areas like congestion etc.There should be set a limit to development. This is exactly what happened to Rawalpindi.
In Rawalpindi every road and street can be commercialized without any hindrance. Perhaps, no rules exist in this regard. You are right ET. even my beautiful Valley Road in Westridge has not been spared. On Adyala Road agricultural land has also been usurped. Such is the demand for commercialization. Are the city authorities watching?