Daily Times

The Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) Town Planning Department is facing criticism for gross mismanagement and negligence, as routine field inspections and the mandatory use of field books remain abandoned due to bureaucratic inefficiency.

Insiders reveal that senior officials, including the Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Director of Town Planning, are ignoring LDA bylaws that require regular field inspections and documentation. The field books, intended to ensure accountability and record findings, are reportedly unused, lying discarded in offices.

Bylaws Ignored:

oDirector Town Planning: Must conduct at least one field inspection monthly and document the findings.

oDeputy Director Town Planning: Required to visit their zones every 15 days and prepare detailed inspection reports.

oAssistant Director Town Planning: Expected to carry out weekly zone surveys and document notices, FIRs, prosecutions, and property sealing/unsealing activities.

However, reports suggest that these officials are prioritizing desk work over field duties, creating a void in enforcement and oversight.

Lack of Oversight:

The department’s inefficiency is further compounded by weak monitoring systems and an apparent lack of interest from senior administrative officers, including the Director of Administration. Despite years of such practices, no action has been taken to address these violations, leading to growing public frustration.

Public Concerns:

Citizens have expressed their disappointment, questioning the LDA’s ability to solve public problems if it cannot uphold its own rules. “The credibility of such an important institution is at stake,” commented a concerned resident.

Call for Action:

Stakeholders are urging LDA Director General Tahir Farooq and other senior officials to intervene immediately. Ensuring compliance with bylaws, reactivating fieldwork, and enforcing the use of field books are seen as critical steps to restore accountability and institutional integrity.

The public demands swift and transparent measures to put an end to this negligence, emphasizing that effective field inspections are vital for maintaining urban order and addressing public grievances.