The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has introduced a digital monitoring system to oversee action against illegal constructions, unauthorised commercial use of properties and non-payment of dues, officials said.
The new standard operating procedures (SOPs) are aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the authority’s field operations. Under the system, notices, sealing and demolition proceedings will be processed through a digital file-management mechanism. Notices will carry QR codes, while geo-tagged photographs and other relevant records will be uploaded and monitored online.
Properties facing enforcement action have been divided into three categories: illegal construction, unauthorised change in the use of an existing building and non-payment of dues.
The LDA has also introduced a digital record of de-sealing proceedings. A sealed property can only be de-sealed after payment of the applicable fine, restoration to its lawful status or approval by the competent authority.
The revised SOPs define the powers and responsibilities of assistant directors, deputy directors and directors of town planning. All zones of the Town Planning Wing will also be required to inform the relevant chief town planner before carrying out sealing or demolition operations.
A committee headed by the chief town planner has been formed to scrutinise cases involving illegally commercialised properties. It will include the chief IT officer and directors of revenue, law and town planning.
The committee will examine cases related to declaring properties illegally commercialised, issuing notices and deciding on their withdrawal or correction, as well as subsequent enforcement action.
LDA Director General Tahir Farooq said the committee would review the complete planning, legal and revenue position of each property before making a decision. This would include approved or unapproved building plans, temporary and permanent commercialisation and their legal status.
Complaints, inspection reports, court stay orders and injunctions concerning a property will also be considered, he said. Previous approvals, exemptions, compositions or regularisations granted by competent authorities will likewise be reviewed.
The committee will also verify outstanding dues, fines, revenue records, digital data and site-related information before reaching a decision.
All decisions and supporting documents will be uploaded to the digital system. Any subsequent correction or modification will have to be made through the system’s audit trail, ensuring that changes remain traceable.
Under the revised SOPs, property owners will be given 15 days to rectify unauthorised commercial use and five days to address illegal construction before enforcement action is initiated.
The LDA has warned that negligence or failure to comply with the new procedures will result in departmental action against the officials concerned.
