The importance of protecting green areas in urban centers was stressed by Caretaker Local Government Minister Ibrahim Murad during a meeting to review the progress on the preparation of a master plan for 11 districts of Punjab.
The Minister emphasized that green areas should be clearly marked out in the new plan to combat pollution and to safeguard agricultural land for meeting the food requirements of the growing population.
Murad said that new housing schemes should not be allowed in green areas, and strict action should be taken against those that have already illegally sprung up in these areas.
He also highlighted that business and commercial activities in the cities are essential to the stability of the economy, and employment opportunities can be created by promoting business and commercial activities in small towns.
The Local Government Department is preparing master plans for 11 districts, including Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Land Use Classification Maps for these districts have already been prepared and sent to the relevant Deputy Commissioners. After approval and notification by the concerned officials, the land use plans of these districts will be prepared, and they will be able to meet the needs of the next 20 years.
Protecting green areas is of the utmost importance in the pursuit of sustainable urban development, and it is reassuring to see that the authorities are taking this issue seriously.
It is really commendable action if it is actually implemented. But housing society mafia is too much stronger.
Please check and take any action against DHA Multan if you can?? which is going to construct on agricultural land whose major portion covered with Mangoes trees
Action will not be taken because everyone know hows behind dha multan. Although its a failed project and connecting road is not able to handle the traffic in future but they are making people fool by charging millions for few thousands value land.
What Govt and supremcourt say about DHA.. In BWP 35km above and in Multan 54km above this project cut all Mango trees and agriculture fields.. Because retired and on post Army high rank officers
An excellent initiative if followed in spirit!