Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to establish the ‘Punjab Special Planning Authority’ (PSPA) in a bid to eliminate illegal housing societies across the province. In a meeting focused on housing societies, proposals were discussed to introduce uniform color and design standards for commercial and residential areas, while also considering eco-friendly and modern housing solutions.

According to a statement by Chief Minister of Punjab, the meeting also decided to create a comprehensive district land use plan and zoning strategy, with reviews every four years. This initiative aims to ensure the proper categorization of commercial, residential, and agricultural lands. A ‘District Special Planning Committee’ will be set up in each district, headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners and including representatives from service providers like WAPDA, Sui Gas, and WASA.

Additionally, the upcoming PSPA will feature a violation tracking mechanism to curb illegal land use through a ‘District Digital Wall.’ This digital approach will also enable fast-track approval of applications based on data insights.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of town planning, citing it as essential for a stable future. She highlighted the issues arising from poor strategies, which have led to the proliferation of illegal housing societies in urban areas. During the meeting, it was reported that millions of rupees have been saved through e-tendering as part of the Lahore Development Plan, with progress noted on 414 schemes in its first phase.