Lahore Division

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab Safe Cities Authority has decided to expand monitoring and enforcement measures to curb environmental pollution and smog. Surveillance of polluting activities will be intensified through Safe City cameras as well as modern drones to identify violators and ensure prompt action. According to the Safe Cities Authority spokesperson, more than 300 violations related to environmental pollution were detected through Safe City cameras over the past two days. Action has been taken against smoke emitting vehicles, with e challans issued to several vehicles found violating environmental regulations. The spokesperson said action was also being taken against vehicles transporting construction materials, sand, soil and other dust-generating materials without proper tarpaulin covers. Information regarding violations is being promptly shared with the relevant departments to facilitate immediate enforcement action. According to the Safe Cities Authority, information collected through 43 Smart Safe City Centres across the city is being transmitted to the relevant departments in a timely manner. The initiative aims to ensure swift and effective action against environmental pollution. The authority said the use of modern technology, surveillance cameras and drones would further strengthen monitoring of activities contributing to smog and air pollution, while legal action would continue against those found violating environmental regulations.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan A loan review mission of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Punjab Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department to review progress on ongoing and proposed urban development projects being supported by the ADB across the province. Following the directions of Housing Secretary Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, an important meeting was held with Special Secretary Waqar Azim in the chair. The ADB review mission was led by Head of PIU Jin Min Nahm. The meeting reviewed the current status of ongoing urban development projects in various cities of Punjab, as well as proposed projects, approval processes, development-related matters and implementation issues. The participants assessed progress on the projects and discussed measures to ensure timely approvals and effective implementation. Several key issues were also discussed and consensus was reached on important matters. With ADB assistance, Punjab has continued to focus on urban development areas including water supply and sanitation, urban planning, solid waste management and improvement of urban infrastructure. According to available information, ADB-supported long-term planning and feasibility work has also been undertaken to improve municipal services and infrastructure in several cities across the province. The meeting also stressed the need for effective coordination among relevant departments and institutions to streamline project approval and implementation processes and ensure that urban development initiatives achieve their intended outcomes.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan Director General Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Tahir Farooq chaired a meeting of the Planning and Design Committee, where various construction, commercial and institutional cases were reviewed in detail. Several cases were approved in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations, while some were rejected. During the meeting, Chief Town Planner-I and Chief Town Planner-II briefed the committee on cases related to their respective zones. The committee reviewed land-use status, construction requirements, traffic management arrangements, no-objection certificates (NOCs) from relevant departments and other legal and technical matters concerning the proposed projects. DG LDA Tahir Farooq directed that the approved land use of all cases cleared by the Planning and Design Committee must be strictly enforced. He stressed that no activity contrary to the approved land use should be allowed under any circumstances. He further directed officials to ensure recovery of penalties imposed for illegal commercial activities before cases are presented to and approved by the Planning and Design Committee. The concerned officials were instructed to ensure that outstanding dues arising from violations of regulations are recovered without negligence or delay. The meeting also reviewed cases related to schools. The LDA DG directed that, before issuing NOCs for school cases involving the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA), drop-off lanes must be constructed at the site. The measure is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow during student pick-up and drop-off hours and preventing inconvenience to commuters and residents. The committee considered cases involving petrol pumps, schools, rehabilitation centres, medical centres, research and education centres and other projects. Following a review of applicable regulations, land use requirements and technical conditions, several cases were approved, while those failing to meet the prescribed requirements were rejected. Representatives of the LDA, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), TEPA, WASA and the Deputy Commissioner’s Office attended the meeting. Chief Town Planner-I, Chief Town Planner-II, directors of all relevant zones of the LDA Town Planning Wing and other officials were also present. DG LDA Tahir Farooq directed the relevant officials to ensure full compliance with rules and regulations throughout the approval process for urban development and construction projects. He also called for continued monitoring of approved land use, traffic management arrangements and other stipulated conditions attached to development projects.