LAHORE: Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director GTahir Farooq on Saturday visited the Data Darbar Expansion Project and the Bhati Chowk Underpass to review safety arrangements ahead of the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh and the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
During the visit, Tepa’s chief engineer Iqrar Hussain and the project director briefed the LDA chief on the progress of the ongoing development works and the measures being taken to ensure public safety.
Mr Farooq directed the authorities concerned to suspend all construction activities linked to the projects during the urs and chehlum to facilitate the smooth movement of devotees and visitors.
He also instructed officials to ensure comprehensive safety measures at construction sites, including the installation of protective barriers, adequate lighting, warning signs and other necessary arrangements to safeguard pedestrians and motorists.
He inspected the service roads around the Bhati Chowk Underpass and ordered officials to make special arrangements for drainage in the event of rainfall to prevent inconvenience to the public. He further directed the engineering teams to extend full cooperation to the event organisers and ensure the safety and convenience of devotees visiting the shrine.
Mr Farooq also instructed the chief engineer to implement all precautionary measures in accordance with the approved traffic and route management plans. He also emphasised the need for enhanced lighting around construction sites during night hours to minimise the risk of accidents.
HORTICULTURE: Lahore horticulture agency managing director Ahmad Usman Javed, chaired a meeting to review the authority’s operational performance, development projects, financial affairs and future strategy.
Speaking to the participants, Javed stated that the agency is responsible for the maintenance, beautification and management of 808 small and large parks across the provincial capital. He directed the officers to focus on enhancing the agency’s own-source revenues to strengthen its financial sustainability.
Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026
