RDA Cracks Down on Illegal Housing Societies, May Cut Gas and Electricity

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has ramped up its campaign against illegal housing societies by issuing final notices and seeking the disconnection of electricity and gas supplies to non-compliant schemes. According to official sources, the RDA's Metropolitan Planning and Traffic Engineering (MP&TE) Directorate has finalized a strategy with its Enforcement Squad to curb unauthorized residential developments across the district.

Under the plan, the authority will write to the Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), recommending the disconnection of utility connections to illegal housing schemes that operate without approved layouts and clearance certificates.

The RDA has also directed real estate developers, builders, and housing scheme managements to register on its Housing Scheme Management System (HSMS) portal within the stipulated timeframe. Those who fail to comply may face legal action, including the sealing of site offices and the demolition of illegal structures.

In addition, the authority plans to issue public notices warning citizens against investing in unauthorized housing projects. It has urged residents to check the legal status of housing societies through its official website before making residential or commercial property investments.

The move is part of the RDA's broader efforts to regulate the real estate sector and protect citizens from fraudulent schemes. Illegal housing societies often lack proper infrastructure and approvals, putting buyers at risk of financial loss.

Authorities have advised the public to verify the legitimacy of any housing project before committing funds. The RDA's crackdown is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as it seeks to bring all developments under the regulatory framework.