Five illegal buildings brought down in Rawalpindi

The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) carried out the demolition of five unsafe structures located along the bank of a nullah in Dhamial Kalyal.

This move comes after heavy rains led to urban flooding in several areas of the city. According to RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza, the drive was launched to clear all encroachments blocking the natural flow of water. She said the enforcement team was instructed to take immediate action against any structure that creates a risk during rainfall. The buildings were evacuated before demolition to ensure the safety of residents.

Murtaza said that protecting public life and property is the top priority of the RDA. She added that illegal constructions on natural waterways are a major reason for flooding and strict action will be taken without any relaxation. Heavy machinery has been deployed to remove blockages in drainage lines. RDA teams are also identifying illegal structures in both residential and commercial areas that fall in flood-prone zones.

Citizens have been warned not to build homes or shops near nullahs. Murtaza said that strict legal action will be taken against those who break building and environmental laws. This operation is part of a wider plan to improve Rawalpindi’s flood control system and urban development. The action is being taken on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has ordered zero tolerance for all illegal constructions, encroachments, and unauthorised advertisements in the city. The RDA is also continuing action against illegal housing societies under this ongoing campaign.