LAHORE: Punjab Finance Department has raised objections over the request of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) demanding release of billions of rupees for its ongoing sustainable development project for Misri Shah and surrounding areas.
The LDA was executing a mega sustainable development plan to revamp the areas surrounding the Lahore Railway Station, including Misri Shah, Aik Moriya, Do Moriya Pul, Azadi Chowk, Shadbagh etc aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the urban environment.
The initiative was launched as part of a 10-year visionary plan to transform the provincial capital into a livable and organised city. The project covered a 3-kilometer radius around the Lahore Railway Station. It included infrastructure upgrade including the construction of new roads, pedestrian pathways, and paved walkways, along with the installation of solar-powered lights. The project also focused on improving cleanliness and introducing green belts and recreational spaces.
Facade improvements and uniform structural development were also planned for Misri Shah, Do Moriya Pul and surrounding areas while the project involved removing encroachments to improve traffic flow in the congested Misri Shah area and updating the storm-water drainage system.
Sources in LDA told the scribe that the summary sent by LDA to the Finance Department seeking funds of billions of rupees for this project was rejected. They said the Finance department told the LDA to develop this area from own funds as the authority did in the case of the sustainable development project launched in Gulberg and nearby posh localities of the city.
When asked, the LDA DG Tahir Farooq gave a very vague reply stating it will be done soon as every summary will face many objections till final approval. He claimed that the summary will go to the cabinet very soon. The scribe also contacted Provincial Secretary Housing Noor ul Amin Mengal regarding the issue and his reply was he will check the facts.
