LAHORE: Caretaker Local Government Minister Ibrahim Murad emphasized the significance of green areas in urban centers, comparing them to the lungs of the human body, and stated that protecting them should be a top priority for regional planning.
In a meeting to discuss the progress of the preparation of master plans for 11 districts of Punjab, Murad directed that the new master plans should clearly demarcate green areas to combat pollution and safeguard agricultural land to meet the growing population’s food requirements.
Furthermore, he directed that new housing schemes should not be allowed in green areas, and action should be taken against illegally established schemes in those areas.
The minister also highlighted the importance of city business and commercial activities for economic stability and employment opportunities for citizens.
He suggested creating economic corridors or business zones in small towns to promote such activities.
During the meeting, the Project Director of the Local Government Department, Umm Laila Naqvi, updated the attendees on the department’s progress in preparing master plans for Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Okara, Sahiwal, Khanewal, Vehari, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan.
Naqvi reported that Land Use Classification Maps for these districts have already been prepared and sent to the relevant Deputy Commissioners.
Once approved and notified, the land use plans for these districts will be prepared to meet their needs for the next 20 years.
