Key Takeaways
- The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation declared basements in Raja Bazaar illegal.
- Heavy rainfall caused flooding, damaging inventory worth billions of rupees.
- Property owners must provide evidence that their basements were approved.
The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has ordered the demolition of illegally constructed basements in Raja Bazaar. The decision was made following heavy rainfall on Friday, which caused flooding and significant damage to property.
According to RMC Chief Officer Imran Ali, more than 100 millimeters of rain fell over Rawalpindi, overwhelming the drainage system and allowing excess water to enter basements that had not been approved for construction. The affected area includes shops and business centers in Raja Bazaar.
The flooding resulted in extensive damage to inventory worth billions of rupees, prompting immediate action from the authorities. Property owners have been instructed to demolish their illegal basements within a specified timeframe or face legal consequences.
To ensure compliance, property owners are required to provide evidence that their basements were included in building plans approved by relevant authorities. This process aims to prevent future incidents and maintain proper drainage systems in the area.
Cleanup operations have been ongoing since the incident, with sewage drains along Raja Bazaar, Jamia Masjid Road, and nearby commercial areas being cleared to mitigate further damage and ensure public safety.
The decision by the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation highlights the need for stricter regulations on construction practices in flood-prone areas. The affected property owners now face a challenging task of either demolishing their basements or providing proof of approval to avoid legal action.
