THERE is a mushroom growth of expensive cafés in Lahore, especially in erstwhile residential areas of Gulberg. One is amazed to see who is allowing such cafes to grow so insanely. The roads and streets which were supposed to take the load only of a handful of residents are used by hundreds and thousands of customers.

The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) law says that the requirement of parking for cafes, restaurants and clubs is one car space for every 500sq feet of the floor area. This means that two car parking space is a must for a room size of 10x10 sqft.

This is not being followed and the LDA allows such commercial construction in violation of this law. Thus cars are parked on roads causing traffic congestion and enormous inconvenience to the public. In some cases, businessmen get the building plans passed showing the parking space, which is then converted into an open sitting place. This is not possible without the connivance of relevant agencies.

Roads are like arteries of a city; their clogging is reflection of an unhealthy urban life. There is a need for the LDA to enforce its laws and take notice of any violations.

Tanveer Ashraf
Lahore Cantt

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2018