The Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) has found that 137 housing schemes in Hyderabad were operating without proper approval. Out of these, only 43 have completed the required legal procedures to get official approval. The remaining 94 schemes are still considered illegal.
This issue was highlighted during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) held in Karachi. PAC Chairman Nisar Ahmed Khuhro expressed serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized housing projects in Hyderabad. He directed the HDA to take strict action against all unapproved schemes.
Khuhro also raised the issue of outstanding dues from builders. According to officials, builders owe around Rs2.5 billion to the HDA. The PAC chairman ordered HDA Director General Asghar Ali Ghangro to send immediate payment notices. He also instructed that the offices of defaulters be sealed if payments are not made.
During the briefing, Ghangro explained that many developers start plot bookings and construction before getting the required no-objection certificates (NOCs). These NOCs are necessary for water supply and drainage services. Although water is usually provided to these projects, proper sewage systems are often missing. As a result, untreated wastewater flows into nearby rivers, canals, and other water bodies.
Another concern raised in the meeting was the rapid loss of agricultural land around the Hyderabad bypass. New housing schemes are replacing farmlands but lack proper infrastructure, especially drainage connections. This creates both environmental and planning problems.
The PAC emphasized the need for better regulation and enforcement. Officials agreed that stricter monitoring and faster approval processes could help manage future development in Hyderabad more effectively.
Authorities are expected to take immediate steps to control illegal housing projects and recover pending dues.
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