Lahore is being equipped to become Pakistan’s first dust-free city. The initiative, driven by the Housing and Urban Development Department, seeks to minimize the growing pollution and environmental degradation by, implementing sustainable urban development practices and stricter construction regulations.
High-Level Meeting conducted at LDA Headquarters
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, has visited the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) headquarters, where he was informed by LDA Director General Tahir Farooq on ongoing development projects, policy efforts, and upcoming urban reforms.
Noor ul Amin stressed the requirement for uniform standards during the meeting across all development departments to ensure cohesive and long-term city sustainability.
Tightening Construction Regulations for a Cleaner Lahore
Reducing dust and air pollution is one of the core objectives of this initiative, particularly stemming from unregulated and poorly managed construction activities. New stringent construction regulations will be introduced, requiring stricter adherence to environmental protection protocols during all types of urban development.
Noor ul Amin has emphasized the huge vitality of environmental sustainability and noted that upcoming legislation is expected to highlight the external design of commercial properties to improve the all-inclusive aesthetic and visual harmony of Lahore.
Read more: Punjab plans to combat growing smog problem with advanced air quality monitors
Revamping Urban Planning with Uniform Standards
The Secretary was criticizing the disorganized and uneven presentation of commercial infrastructure, which he said was highly involved in diminishing the cultural and historical charm of Lahore. The secretary called for an integrated urban planning strategy, where all development departments follow standardized protocols for infrastructure, design, and sustainability.
Digital Innovations and Land Recovery Achievements
During the briefing, DG Tahir Farooq highlighted major achievements, including:
• Digitization of property records
• Online approval system for building plans
• Recovery of 990 kanals of high-value land
• Revenue generation surpassing Rs 25 billion for the first time
• Real-time monitoring through a digital unit in LDA-controlled zones
These milestones reflect LDA’s shift toward transparency, digital governance, and efficient land management.
Public Transport Developments Underway
Moreover, NESPAK representatives presented the proposed plan for the Yellow Line Bus Service, a new mass transit project which is intended at improving urban mobility and reducing vehicular emissions.
What lies ahead
Lahore’s transformation into a dust-free city is considered to be a progressive move towards environmentally friendly urban living in Pakistan. With digital tools, strategic planning, and stricter regulations in place, Lahore is on track to become a standard city for greener and cleaner development with the assistance of modern digital tools, organized foresight, and more rigorous policies.