THERE is a mushroom growth of expensive cafés in Lahore, especially the erstwhile residential areas of Gulberg. One wonders who allows them to grow so insanely.

The roads and streets, which were supposed to take load only of handful residents, are now being 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 500 square feet of floor area.

This means that a two-car parking space is a must for a room size of 10x10 square feet. This is not being followed and the LDA allows such commercial construction in violation of this law.

Resultantly, cars are parked on roads, causing traffic congestion and enormous inconvenience to the public.

In some cases the 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. The LDA should undertake the task of enforcing its laws and take notice of any violations.

Tanveer Ashraf

Lahore

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2019