LAHORE: Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General Tahir Farooq on Thursday visited the expansion project of Data Darbar and the under-construction Bhati Chowk Underpass to review the pace and quality of ongoing development work.

Tepa Chief Engineer Iqrar Hussain and the project director briefed the LDA DG on the progress of both schemes.

Officials informed the meeting that overall 43pc work on the Bhati Chowk underpass project had been completed. Excavation work on one side of the underpass had been progressing rapidly, while excavation on the other side was expected to commence within the next two days.

Work on piling, retaining walls and cap beams was continuing uninterrupted, while roofing work on the barrel slab of the underpass was likely to be completed within the next few days.

Mr Farooq conducted a detailed inspection of construction standards and directed the project director, contractor and representatives of Nespak to ensure 100pc quality compliance in all development activities. He emphasised that high construction standards must be maintained in every aspect of the project.

During the briefing, the Tepa chief engineer said finishing work on the pedestrian underpass linked to the Data Darbar remodelling project was underway. Finishing work on the parking area and washroom block was also in progress. He added that finishing work in the pedestrian zone was nearing completion, while tile work at the piazza area was continuing.

The LDA DG directed officials to ensure that public washrooms were properly ventilated and well lit.

DESILTING: The government has accelerated the province-wide sewerage desilting campaign ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, while advanced monitoring features are being added to a digital dashboard to ensure effective oversight of field operations and urban flood preparedness.

In this regard, an important meeting was chaired by Punjab Housing Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal to review the pre-monsoon arrangements, desilting operations, and monitoring mechanisms. Managing directors of Wasa agencies from 41 districts participated in the meeting online.

The meeting was informed that the upgraded mobile application would enable Wasa field staff to upload real-time data, photographs, and progress reports, while the Punjab chief minister and senior officials would be able to monitor operations live through the digital dashboard.

The secretary directed that the desilting campaign be completed within the stipulated timeline and emphasised strict monitoring of drains, sewerage lines, manholes, nullahs, and disposal stations. He instructed that the cleaning progress of every kilometer of drains and nullahs be properly monitored and documented, adding that officers’ performance would be assessed rigorously.

Mr Mengal stated that, under the directions of the CM, preparations ahead of the monsoon were being expedited across the province.

He directed all officers to remain present in the field and personally supervise ongoing operations.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2026