Lahore: The governing body of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has sanctioned a proposal to transfer the enforcement function, specifically related to parking lots and the right of way, from the LDA’s town planning wing to the Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), according to news published on November 13.
Under the approved proposal, TEPA has been granted the authority to assume control of LDA’s four major parking plazas, with the responsibility of ensuring their freedom from encroachments. The decision aims to assist relevant departments in optimizing parking spaces for their intended purpose, preventing encroachments that contribute to traffic congestion, environmental issues, and other civic concerns.
According to an anonymous source, the LDA’s town planning wing faced challenges in effectively enforcing building rules, especially concerning encroachments in parking lots and right-of-way areas. This wing, responsible for various civic affairs related to building control, approval of maps for buildings, commercialization, and appropriate use of parking spaces, was perceived to have shortcomings in addressing these issues.
The decision to involve TEPA, an agency specializing in traffic engineering and transport planning, was prompted by concerns about encroachments in parking areas of commercial markets leading to severe traffic and environmental problems. The proposal for this strategic shift was recently approved during a meeting of the LDA’s governing body.
The proposal also highlights the observed violations related to the misuse of parking areas and the non-provision of parking spaces by owners and developers. TEPA, as an LDA subsidiary, issues No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for parking spaces through agreements with commercial and apartment buildings. However, it lacked the enforcement rights necessary to regulate and ensure compliance with these agreements.
To address this, the proposal recommends the establishment of an enforcement wing within TEPA, comprising two directors, two deputy directors, four assistant directors, eight inspectors, and 16 gangmen. TEPA Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain noted that the government’s empowerment of TEPA marks a historic moment, enabling the agency to clear parking spaces and right-of-way areas of encroachments and ensure their proper use as stipulated in agreements.
The parking plazas under TEPA’s enforcement authority include D-Point Parking Plaza (Shah Aklam Market), Park and Ride Plaza (Liberty Roundabout), Parking Plaza (Liberty, near Sunfort Hotel), and Parking Plaza at Moon Market, Iqbal Town. The decision, conceived through discussions in meetings chaired by Lahore Commissioner/LDA Director General Muhammad Ali Randhawa, is anticipated to enhance TEPA’s income significantly in the current fiscal year.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
