Daily Times

The ineffectiveness of the monitoring system at Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Drawing Branch has reportedly led to widespread irregularities, forcing applicants to endure delays and unnecessary hardships. Allegations of undue objections and delaying tactics have become routine, leaving citizens distressed and frustrate

Sources reveal that the Drawing Branch’s alleged negligence and reliance on verbal directives have rendered the approval process for residential and commercial building plans opaque and unnecessarily complicated. Instead of adhering to LDA’s by-laws, verbal objections are reportedly being used to reject applications, causing applicants substantial mental and financial distress.

Reportedly, preferential treatment is being extended to influential applicants, with their plans being approved without scrutiny. Conversely, plans submitted through the “E-Khidmat” portal, complete with all required documentation and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), are being unjustifiably rejected under the guise of verbal objections. This practice not only violates LDA’s by-laws but also undermines the authority’s credibility.

Applicants lament that after fulfilling all legal requirements, including obtaining relevant NOCs and submitting plans as per LDA regulations, their applications are being turned down based on arbitrary objections. These actions contradict the vision of the Punjab Government and the Director General (DG) LDA, which aims to streamline public services and ensure efficiency.

The dormant state of LDA’s monitoring system has reportedly exacerbated these issues, allowing unchecked irregularities to flourish. Applicants accuse Deputy Director Shahbaz and other officials of relying on verbal instructions from higher-ups to reject plans, further complicating the approval process and undermining transparency.

Unverified reports suggest that illicit financial gains are being sought in exchange for plan approvals. These allegations demand thorough investigations at the highest level to restore public confidence and accountability in the approval process.

Despite DG LDA’s directive to issue commercial building plans within 15 days, the current practices within the Drawing Branch indicate little to no progress in adhering to these instructions. The inefficiency in implementing these orders reflects poorly on the authority’s commitment to service delivery.

Applicants are calling on the Punjab Government and DG LDA to address these pressing issues promptly. They demand an end to verbal objections and the enforcement of by-laws in their true spirit. Additionally, they urge the activation of a robust monitoring system to curb irregularities and alleged corruption.

The LDA administration must act swiftly to ensure transparency, restore public trust, and align its practices with its policies and vision. Ensuring fair and timely approvals for residential and commercial plans is not only essential for public welfare but also critical to the authority’s credibility and effectiveness.