According to news sources on July 18, the authorities in Lahore have uncovered 91 unapproved farm house projects within the city.
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Concerns have been expressed about illegal urbanization and the potential misuse of agricultural land for residential purposes in light of these unauthorized farm house projects. In addition, schemes located within a 8,1-decimal-kilometer radius of the Border Zero Line are of heightened security concern.
Tehsil Cantt was responsible for 62 of the illicit farm housing schemes, while Tehsil Shalimar was responsible for 29. These unapproved constructions have prompted local authorities to pursue legal action against the culpable parties. The legality of these plans is governed by Section 9 of the West Pakistan Border Area Regulations of 1959, which prohibits unapproved development in border regions. In addition, Section 145 of the Local Government Ordinance 2021 requires authorities to address and combat such violations.
Within an 8-decimal-kilometer radius, it is rigorously prohibited to use agricultural land for farm housing schemes. This law seeks to preserve agricultural resources and prohibit their commercial and residential exploitation. To ensure compliance in the future, written affidavits will be required for the purchase and sale of agricultural land, prohibiting its use for farm housing program.
Adnan Rashid, the district collector for Lahore, has emphasized the gravity of the situation and announced that a comprehensive report on these illegal agricultural housing societies will be presented within the next fifteen days.
“This report will serve as the basis for taking further action against those involved in these unauthorized schemes in order to preserve the integrity of the city’s urban planning and protect agricultural land,” he said.
A representative of the district administration emphasized the need for rigorous enforcement of regulations and constant vigilance to prevent the unauthorized proliferation of housing projects and to safeguard agricultural resources for their intended use.
The official added that the district authorities are committed to resolving this issue and assuring controlled and sustainable urban development in the city.