Lahore: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) is considering a significant restructuring of its enforcement operations against illegal private housing societies, including the potential discontinuation of its specialised directorate responsible for monitoring and taking action against these illegal schemes.

The Directorate of Enforcement and Monitoring (DEM) for Private Housing Societies (PHS) is a key division within the LDA’s Metropolitan Wing, tasked with ensuring that illegal housing schemes do not operate or sell properties without proper approval. This directorate has been at the forefront of stopping the sale and purchase of plots in unauthorized societies, while also preventing illegal development activities. It was established to address public complaints and protect citizens from fraudulent schemes.

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However, according to LDA’s Director General (DG), Tahir Farooq, the authority is considering shutting down the DEM (PHS) due to increasing complaints of corruption, mismanagement, and poor coordination within the directorate. The DG confirmed that various proposals were being reviewed, but the decision to dissolve the directorate was now final.

“There have been widespread concerns about the inefficiency of DEM (PHS) in handling the growing number of illegal societies. As a result, the authority is considering its closure to improve coordination and transparency within the organization,” said DG Farooq.

Sources within LDA revealed that for several months, the DEM (PHS) directorate had been instructed to halt its actions against over 150 illegal housing societies operating across thousands of acres in Lahore. This has sparked concerns among citizens and local authorities about the growing prevalence of unauthorized developments.

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In December 2024, all directorates under the Metropolitan Wing compiled lists of illegal housing societies in their respective jurisdictions and sent them to the Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue (ADCR), urging an immediate ban on the mutation and sale of properties in these societies. Despite these efforts, illegal societies continued their operations, engaging in plot sales and construction without proper approvals.

One of the letters sent to the ADCR stated that unauthorized housing schemes were operating without the necessary permits from LDA, violating the Lahore Development Authority Act 1975. It requested an immediate halt to any sale or purchase of plots in these illegal societies, stressing the importance of compliance with the law.

While some officials within the LDA’s Metropolitan Wing have opposed the decision to dismantle DEM (PHS), expressing concerns over the increased workload that would fall on other departments, the DG emphasized that the restructuring was aimed at streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency.

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“We are introducing new changes to enhance transparency and coordination among different LDA wings. The goal is to protect citizens and improve the image of the department. Strict action will be taken against illegal housing societies once the restructuring process is complete,” DG Farooq assured.

The proposed elimination of DEM (PHS) could also affect the Town Planning Wing, which is responsible for halting construction in unauthorized areas. Officials fear that without the specialized directorate, the enforcement of regulations in illegal housing schemes may be significantly weakened, leading to further violations.

LDA’s decision is still in the early stages, and the public, especially residents in areas affected by illegal societies, is awaiting clarity on how the authority plans to tackle the growing problem of unauthorized developments in Lahore.

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