On 1st December, Department of City and Regional Planning (CRP) University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore in collaboration with Lahore Development Authority (LDA) organized a seminar on 4th Public and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop. Purpose of this seminar was to showcase Master Plan for Lahore Division 2050 which aims to harness the core principles including Heritage, Economy, Inclusiveness, Vibrant Environment and Sustainability, and vision originally set by the LDA.
In this seminar, it has been categorically discussed that this master plan will provide a clear strategic framework within which direction for future growth and play an integral role in shaping the city’s urban environment. Syed Nadeem Akhtar Zaidi, who is Chief Metropolitan Lahore, briefed that this Master Plan 2050 for Lahore will include 12,700+ km2 in study area, 12,000,000+ people, 1,000+ years of heritage, detailed Urban Master Plans for 49 urban centres and settlements, targeting Zero in carbon footprint, and targeting 100% recycling. Mr. Kamil Khan Mumtaz briefed the participants on the master plan report in detail. International Consultant Eric Wright gave a detailed briefing on the Master plan.
The seminar was attended by International Consultants, Planners, Engineers, Local Govt Officers, Architects, Stakeholders, Representatives from various public and private organizations, Deans, Chairmen, Faculty, and students of UET Lahore and public. Syed Nadeem Akhtar Zaidi, Chief Metropolitan, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Hameed Dean Faculty of Architecture and Planning and Prof. Dr. Shakir Mahmoud Chairman CRP welcomed the participants. Stakeholders were encouraged to share their ideas, and proposal regarding public transportation, infrastructure development for commercial and residential zones, better environment and access to clean water, industrial zones, land protection etc. for review.
Representatives of well-known developers of Lahore – for instance Head of Department (HOD) of Town Planning Department of Zaitoon New Lahore City along with other town planners associated with various developers – were also present on that occasion. They (developers’ representative) were concerned about status of the land in their surroundings; will it come under brown and green category? Syed Nadeem Akhtar Zaidi answered that green areas will be turned into brown areas keeping in view the growth trends of Lahore city after discussing with City Planners. He further added that developer’s ideas/suggestions would be screened by international consultants, town planners, and architects for validation. Furthermore, on questioning about the sustainability of that plan, it has been answered that that by broader development frameworks such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this plan will include strategies and action plans for economic and infrastructure development, balanced urbanization, water supply, solid waste and wastewater management, and urban and rural transport.
Questioning about the regional level implication of this Plan Syed Nadeem Akhtar Zaidi said that on a regional scale, the master plan will also cover the area’s key economic sectors (including but not limited to agriculture, industry, markets, mines and minerals, and tourism) and explore connections to all regional infrastructure (railways, airways, communication infrastructure, solid waste disposal sites, etc.).
It has been decided that the stakeholders can submit their proposals for the Master Plan 2050 in LDA respective office in Johar Town, Department of City and Regional Planning will be holding a special seminar in University of Engineering and Technology (UET) to discuss the proposals. While giving concluding remarks, Professor Shakir Mahmoud briefed that the master plan will also be disseminated to the public through various channels, including but not limited to open sessions and workshops and electronic, print, and social media. The ultimate goal will be to create a master plan that is implementable, that enjoys wide support and significant buy-in, and that is representative of the hopes and aspirations of the people.
