LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced its plan to transform Lahore into Pakistan’s first “dust-free city” by enforcing stringent construction standards and promoting eco-friendly development practices.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal announced the initiative while chairing a meeting at the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters on Wednesday.

During the meeting, DG LDA Tahir Farooq presented a detailed briefing on ongoing and proposed projects, highlighting the newly-formulated comprehensive dust-control strategy. Under this plan, all construction and development projects will be required to adhere to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) to minimise dust pollution. Additionally, legislation will be introduced to regulate the exterior designs of commercial properties, ensuring aesthetic uniformity and environmental sustainability.

Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal emphasised that environmental protection will be a top priority in all future development projects.

He stressed the need for uniform construction standards across all departments to improve sustainability and urban management. “Unplanned, haphazard construction and mismatched commercial buildings not only spoil Lahore’s beauty but also contribute to environmental degradation,” he said. “We must follow a structured, eco-conscious approach to development to preserve the city’s heritage and ensure a cleaner future.”

DG LDA Tahir Farooq also shared updates on key digital reforms, including the online approval system for building plans and the digitisation of property records. He revealed that LDA achieved a historic milestone by generating a record Rs25 billion in revenue, marking the highest collection in its history. Furthermore, the authority has completely transitioned from manual to digital notices, improving transparency and efficiency.

In a crackdown on illegal encroachments, the LDA has reclaimed 990 kanals of prime land worth billions of rupees, which will be utilised for planned development. A dedicated digital monitoring unit has also been established to oversee construction activities in LDA-controlled zones, ensuring compliance with dust-control measures.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, with Nespak officials presenting the latest updates. The session was attended by senior officials, including the special secretary housing, additional secretary technical, LDA chief engineer, town planners and other key stakeholders.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2025