The Lahore Master Plan 2050 remains unfinished nearly four years after its inception, hindered by governmental changes, influential interventions, and a lack of coordination among provincial departments. This delay has left critical urban issues unaddressed, according to former officials.
Globally, master plans typically encompass transportation, pollution, health, education, and the zoning of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. However, these elements have not been adequately addressed in Lahore’s planning process, reported Express Tribune.
The previous Master Plan 2020 has been ineffective for nearly four years, prompting the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to initiate preparations for the Master Plan 2050 in 2018-19. A Middle Eastern company was contracted to develop the plan for Rs. 510 million.
Lahore has experienced unplanned urbanization for years, exacerbating issues related to transport, pollution, municipal services, health, traffic, and residential and commercial development. The city, covering 1,770 square kilometers, has a population exceeding 12.5 million, projected to reach 25 million by 2050. Much of its agricultural land has been converted into residential schemes, with construction ongoing in 872 areas across the city. If this trend continues, Lahore’s agricultural land could disappear by 2050.
An official emphasized the necessity of the Master Plan 2050 for future planning to meet the needs of populations in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib. The plan must address residential, commercial, industrial, pollution, transport, health, education, parks, and municipal services, while managing the influx of people into Lahore.
The task of developing the new master plan was assigned to a company collaborating with Pakistani firms. Despite the involvement of 26 provincial departments, there has been a lack of serious engagement in the planning process.
Former chief engineer Khushkhal Khan highlighted the need for an improved transport system to reduce vehicle pollution and facilitate commuting. He also stressed the importance of preventing unchecked urbanization to alleviate the burden on Lahore.
