LDA introduces digital monitoring

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has introduced new measures to introduce digital monitoring of its actions against illegal constructions, unauthorized commercial use of properties, violations of land-use regulations and non-payment of dues. This is aimed at bringing greater transparency to LDA’s field operations.

The new system will maintain a digital file-management mechanism to process any notices, sealing and demolition proceedings. All notices will carry QR codes, while geo-tagged photos and other relevant records will be uploaded and monitored online.

De-sealing proceedings of sealed properties will also be recorded digitally. A sealed property will only be de-sealed after payment of the applicable fine, restoration of the property to its lawful status, or approval from the competent authority.

Furthermore, all zones of the Town Planning Wing will be required to inform the relevant chief town planner before undertaking sealing or demolition operations. A committee headed by the chief town planner will scrutinize cases involving illegal commercial properties and verify outstanding dues, fines, revenue records, digital data and site-related information. Its decisions, along with 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, making the process traceable.

Under the revised SOPs, property owners will be given 15 days to address unauthorized commercial use and 5 days in cases involving illegal construction before enforcement action is taken.