RAWALPINDI: In its ongoing drive against unauthorised buildings, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Thursday sealed seven commercial plazas, 25 shops and three commercial and residential apartment buildings in different parts of the city including upscale areas.

RDA staff accompanied by local police sealed two plazas in Bahria Town Phase-8, five plazas on Dhamial Road Rawalpindi, 25 shops and three commercial/ residential apartments including Dominion Mall project, Eiffel Tower Bahria Town and Time Square Residence Apartment in Top City Housing Scheme.

Owners of the above mentioned properties, according to the authority, violated the Punjab Development of States Act 1976 and RDA Building and Zoning Regulations, 2020 and constructed illegal commercial buildings without approval and NOC.

Under the directives of RDA director general, the Building Control Wing is conducting crackdown against illegal, unauthorised commercial and residential construction including plazas, shops, schools and other illegal lands in RDA-controlled area in Rawalpindi.

An RDA spokesman said that the Punjab government has directed RDA to take strict action against encroachments, unauthorised constructions and commercial activities without any fear and favour.

He said that people should also show moral responsibility and remove all kinds of encroachments as much as possible. Owners of the above mentioned properties initiated illegal development works without approval of layout plan from the authority in various areas, he added.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2021