AGRICULTURE is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, but the fast diminishing agricultural land is a threat to it. The main culprit is mega housing projects. The authorities need to take steps before the problem gets out of hand.

There is a need for stringent laws to put a stop to having housing schemes on cultivable land. I suggest that there should be construction of smaller flats and joint family system. In most housing schemes construction of a second storey is not allowed. Allowing this would reduce the need for more houses. Houses should be built on smaller plots.

Ehsan Ul Haque
Sheikhupura

Published in Dawn, September 1st, 2020