Rawalpindi: The Punjab government has decided to set up a ‘Strategic Planning Unit’ at the commissioner’s office to revise Rawalpindi’s master plan, according to news published on Thursday (September 9).
The commissioner held a meeting to check on the progress of the master plan and urban development under Punjab Land Rules 2020. Rawalpindi Commissioner Gulzar Hussain Shah stated that the protection of agricultural land and lush plots will be ensured under the Punjab Land Rules 2020.
He mentioned that the work on the revision of Rawalpindi’s master plan is a priority and a planning unit is being set up for this purpose. The Strategic Planning Unit will also oversee the implementation of provincial and federal laws in the city’s mega projects.
According to a senior official of the Rawalpindi District Administration (RDA), the green area of the city has shrunken over the years because of the exponential growth of housing societies. Under the law, a greenbelt must be established around the city to keep it pollution-free, however, the housing societies have grabbed the agricultural land.
Moreover, the official stated that the city has several planning agencies for building control and city’s growth including Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation, cantonment boards, district administration, RDA, and housing and planning departments. Nonetheless, all these agencies have their own set of rules and regulations and work independently.
The urban sprawl has transformed villages into cities, which has resulted in several environmental problems. To resolve this problem, the construction of houses on agricultural land will be discouraged. The government is focusing on policies to encourage vertical developments within the city limits. In addition to this, the sewerage, water supply, and traffic system will be planned according to modern standards.
Besides this, Commissioner Gulzar Hussain Shah stated that analysis of population growth in the city, during the last 8 years, should be conducted as it will be useful in formulating development strategy in future. He went on to say that site development zones of Rawalpindi tehsil will be created and regular urban development planning will be done by demarcating urban boundaries.
In this regard, RDA, Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards, Rawalpindi Metropolitan Corporation, and Local Government and Community Development will need to work together for urban development of Rawalpindi.
Iqra holds BS in International Relations and is passionate about writing engaging content on trending real estate topics. When not working, she is either spending time with family, shopping, or discussing shows & movies.
