Illegal constructions continue in Data Ganj Bakhsh Town

LAHORE:In a blatant violation of building rules and bylaws, illegal constructions continue in Data Ganj Bakhsh Town (DGBT) allegedly in connivance with zonal officer and building inspector of the town.

Documents available with The News revealed that recently the Metropolitan Officer (Planning) issued four show cause notices to the Zonal Officer and building inspector of the DGBT regarding open construction of illegal buildings on several main roads of the town.

It was also revealed in the documents that despite the calls of the MOP, the Zonal Officer of DGBT didn’t bother to visit the sites with the MOP and also failed to provide relevant record to the high-ups.

The first notice was issued to the Zonal Officer DGBT dated October 18, 2023 about the construction of Hajvery Tower at Chauburji Chowk. It said, “On receipt of a complaint, the undersigned called you telephonically to join the undersigned for site visit along-with concerned Building Inspector and relevant record but you did not bother to adhere which shows your least interest towards assignment of official duties. Therefore, the undersigned personally visited the subject site along with Building Inspector and field staff. From perusal of approved building plan and inspection at site, it is noticed that at site construction is being carried out in sheer violations of approved plan as well as applicable Building & Zoning By-Laws of MCL, 2020.”

The pictorial evidence was also attached with the notice, which further read that no car parking was left at site, basement was 100pc covered, no open space left at any floor, ramp was not constructed, motorcycle parking was not provided, emergency exit was not provided, car lift was not provided, No chamfer provided at site and Disable ramp was not provided.

“It is your utmost responsibility to initiate necessary action and to restrain illegal and unauthorised construction activity in violation of approved plan within your respective Zone but it is observed that commercial construction is being carried out which may cause inconvenience for inhabitants and huge financial loss to the government exchequer,” the notice stated and MOP directed the Zonal Officer DGBT to take immediate necessary action against the violations committed at site and explain her position within two (02) days positively that’s why disciplinary proceedings may not be initiated against her and why the matter may not be referred to the competent authority for necessary proceedings against her under PEEDA Act, 2006 on account of her negligence, misconduct in performance of her official duties/responsibilities.

The second notice was issued to the Zonal Officer DGBT about digging of basements near Hajvery Tower, Chauburji Chowk in violation of Building rules and bylaws. It said digging of two basements without pilling was very dangerous for inhabitants and general public as well as adjacent properties and they were sealed by the Building Inspector on the instructions of MOP and in his presence.

The third notice was issued to Zonal Officer by the MOP for the construction of an illegal/unauthorized addition/alteration and digging of a basement in the existing building on Mall Road opposite Fazal Din & Sons.

In this case the MOP got a complaint about the illegal construction on The Mall and during the visited the site with the Building Inspector and field staff. It was noticed that at site digging of basement & addition/alteration in the existing building was being carried out. When the Building Inspector was asked about the action taken, he intimated that he has sealed the premises and submitted istaghasa for registration of FIR but the SHO concerned was reluctant to register FIR against the developer/offender.

The fourth notice was issued to the Zonal Officer DGBT by the MOP regarding construction of a commercial cum office building on Lawrance Road. The MOP personally visited the subject site along-with Building Inspector and field staff. From perusal of approved building plan and inspection at site, it was noticed that at site structure of the building has been constructed in sheer violations of approved plan as well as applicable Building & Zoning Bye-Laws of MCL, 2020. The pictorial evidence was also attached with the notice issued to the Zonal Officer DGBT.

During inspection, it was revealed that earlier on receipt of reference from office of the Commissioner, Lahore Division, Lahore / Administrator, MCL the then Metropolitan Officer, (Planning), MCL visited the site, sealed the premises and furnished detailed report to the authority while pointing out violations / deviations of approved building plan and the authority held an inquiry against the delinquent officers/officials.

Instead of initiating action against illegal construction and lodging a complaint in police, the Zonal Officer DGBT ‘ignored’ the ongoing construction, which resumed after de sealing the premises.

When contacted, Chief Metropolitan Officer Iqbal Farid said that strict action will be taken against the violations of building bylaws. He said MCL, on the direction of Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has already initiated a campaign for the prevention of illegal constructions and crackdown on those who were doing constructions without approved maps.

He said on Monday MOP Muhammad Saleem raided various places and sealed a property on Mall Road and directed an FIR against the land owner. He said illegal installation of lanterns at Chauburji Chowk was also noticed, basement digging was declared dangerous and immediate action was directed against the owner of the land.

Iqbal Farid added that field staff reprimanded for complaints of illegal constructions in DGBT limits and inspectors of all zones were directed to visit, on daily basis, in their jurisdiction and will submit written reports otherwise action will be taken against building inspectors involved in illegal constructions.

Iqbal Farid said that the responsibility of illegal construction will be imposed on the ZOP concerned and building inspectors as stopping the construction against the map will be their official responsibility.