LAHORE: Authorities have arrested the owner of the so-called “Theme Park” housing project for allegedly raising an illegal residential scheme on the Ravi riverbed, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from urban planners and environmental experts alike.
According to officials, the project had been promoted under the guise of an entertainment and residential development. However, investigations revealed that no proper approvals were secured, and the scheme posed a severe environmental threat by encroaching on flood-prone land.
Law enforcement agencies confirmed that the developer was taken into custody after multiple complaints and legal notices went unanswered. The arrest comes as part of a wider crackdown on illegal housing societies in Punjab, particularly those exploiting vulnerable citizens by selling unapproved plots at attractive prices.
Urban experts warn that unauthorized schemes not only endanger buyers financially but also jeopardize Lahore’s ecological balance by shrinking natural waterways and increasing the risk of urban flooding. The Ravi riverbed, already under stress from unplanned construction, has become a hotspot for such illegal ventures.
The provincial government has vowed to take strict action against all fraudulent developers, urging the public to verify housing projects through official records before investing. Authorities have also highlighted the need for stronger regulation and public awareness to prevent such scams in the future.
This arrest signals a clear message to land grabbers and fraudulent developers that exploitation of public trust and environmental disregard will not be tolerated.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.