Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Aamir Ahmed Khan has said that Master Plan 2050 will determine the bright future of the Lahore Division for the next three decades.
He said that all stakeholders will be bound to comply with Master Plan 2050. He expressed that many other facilities including road networks, other infrastructures, agriculture, economic and residential activities, transportation, green areas, education and health have been determined in the master plan. “This master plan will be especially useful for all kinds of urban and rural facilities including environmental protection.”
He was speaking at the public hearing organized by the LDA and Environment Department on the environment of Master Plan 2050 the other day. In the public hearing, the director of the environment department, national and international consultants, developers, engineers, stakeholders and ordinary citizens participated.
In the public hearing, well-known architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, LDA’s Chief Metropolitan Planner Syed Nadeem Akhtar Zaidi and Chief Town Planner Shakeel Anjum Minhas gave a briefing on the master plan.
On this occasion, LDA Director General Aamir Ahmad Khan said that in the preparation of Master Plan 2050, the services of national and international consultants and engineers have been obtained and the suggestions of common citizens have also been welcomed.
He said that under the Master Plan 2050, special measures have been taken to preserve the historical heritage. “Solid waste management is a big problem, so special attention has been given to its disposal in the master plan.” He said that under the master plan, small and big cities will be connected through the Ring Road project.
“Measures are also being taken to treat wastewater, conserve rainwater, and eliminate pollution and smog. Master Plan 2050 will play a key role in the elimination of pollution along with the importance of all urban facilities.”
In the public hearing, the LDA director general and other officers and consultants also answered the questions of citizens regarding the master plan. Citizen Abdul Rahim asked that health problems are arising from the Hudiara drain and that LDA should pay attention to this issue.
Amir Ahmad said that special attention is being given to the drain, adding that it will be covered and three wastewater treatment plants will be installed. Mohammad Waqar, a citizen from Sheikhupura, mentioned immense urban problems in the Sheikhupura district, urging the LDA to take steps to solve them.
Amir Ahmad responded and said that an integrated strategy has been made regarding industrial, residential areas and agricultural lands in Sheikhupura, with vigorous steps being taken to block illegal residential schemes. He said that by constructing a multi-level flyover at Shahdara Mor, the problems faced by the traffic coming and going to Sheikhupura and Lahore will be solved.
The director general said that redesigning MM Alam Road is being done under which it will be made one way. Bicycle lanes, plantations, and walking streets for pedestrians will be made, he said, adding that cycling and walking will be encouraged to promote healthy activities.
