Punjab Completes Master Plans to Combat Illegal Housing Schemes

The Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department has finalized urban master plans for 32 districts, aiming to regulate land use and curb illegal housing developments, Dawn Newspaper reported. This initiative comes in response to the alarming loss of 225,000 acres of agricultural land to approximately 6,000 housing schemes, with around 4,000 developed illegally.

The newly established master plans designate specific zones for residential, commercial, and industrial use, preventing further unauthorized construction. Officials noted that unplanned urban growth has adversely affected agricultural productivity and contributed to environmental issues, including pollution and smog.

The plans, which are projected to manage growth over the next 20 years, have already received approval from deputy commissioners for several districts, including Rawalpindi and Bahawalpur. The government aims to secure approval for all remaining plans by February 5, 2025. A central dashboard will monitor compliance, ensuring adherence to the designated land use and zoning regulations.