CDGL, LDA wait for SC ruling on high-rise buildings

[LahoreEstate]

* Over 150 buildings constructed in partial violation of building laws

By Afnan Khan

LAHORE: The City District Government Lahore (CDGL) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) continue to wait for the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling to decide the fate of high-rise buildings and plazas, which were built in violation of construction laws formulated by the Punjab government.

The SC had formed a commission consisting of Justice Riaz Kiyani, architect Kamil Mumtaz, and structural engineer Tahir. It recommended partial as well as complete demolition of some high-rise buildings situated in posh localities of the city. In its final recommendation, it suggested demolition of 45 plazas and reducing floors of another 150 buildings in the city. These buildings were built on illegal land without seeking permission from the authorities concerned and also violated construction laws.

Illegal: Over 150 buildings in the city have been constructed in partial violation of construction laws by illegally building more floors than were allowed by the government. Twenty-nine buildings were situated in Johar Town, 18 in Allama Iqbal Town, 15 in Shadman, five in Samanabad, four in Garden Town, five in Shah Alam Market, one in Faisal Town, three in Model Town, 12 plazas in PIA Society, three in Samanberg Residential Society, one is GCP Society, and eight in Gulberg III.

LDA Director General Shahid Mahmood told Daily Times the concerned authorities were all set to act in line with the SC’s instructions. He said they would not delay or hesitate to take action once the SC announces its decision. He said the SC was still probing the case and several updates were expected on the issue in the next hearing of the court.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...009_pg7_21