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f you are heading towards Main Boulevard, Gulberg, from the Mini Market roundabout, you cannot miss development work going on along the road. The elevated footpaths are being levelled and paved with colourful tuff tiles. The road dividers, too, are being flattened and built afresh.
“This is the new Gulberg” says Waqas Hassan, 40, a salesman at a boutique. “The work has been under way since February. It routinely hampers traffic, especially during peak hours. However, the way [Gulberg] is shaping up, it’s worth the inconvenience.”
The remodelling of walkways in Gulberg, being carried out by the Lahore Development Authority under its Sustainable Development Model scheme, is part of the area’s “complete makeover,” as Tahir Farooq, the LDA director general, puts it.
“Once it’s complete, Gulberg will look more attractive, orderly and welcoming to both the residents and visitors,” he adds.
Farooq insists that the remodelling of pedestrians’ path is not just about beautifying them, but more importantly, improving their function. It includes removal of encroachments and creating spaces that support both businesses and residential life. Work is nearing completion on Sir Syed Road, Haali Road, Ghalib Road, Zahoor Elahi Road and Link MM Alam Road. Footpaths and walkways are being rebuilt, streetlights installed and underground drainage system improved. Rainwater harvesting systems are also being added, allowing water to seep into the ground and recharge underground reserves.
While the development work is mostly being lauded, some of the locals have voiced various concerns. Hassan, who lives and works in Gulberg, says the scheme may look good on paper, but the [freshly built] walkways have practically turned into unformal parking lots.
Besides, uniform greenbelts, complete with rainwater harvesting wells, have been created along the roads. Electricity and internet wires are being moved underground for a cleaner and safer environment. The scheme, Farooq says, “is part of our larger plan to transform Lahore into a more livable city.”
He mentions that similar projects have been completed in some other parts of the city. Many more are in progress.
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While the development work is mostly being lauded, some of the locals have voiced various concerns. Hassan, who lives and works in Gulberg, says the scheme may look good on paper, but the [freshly built] walkways have practically turned into informal parking lots. “So, their purpose is lost. No?” he asks.
The LDA DG says such concerns will be addressed once the work is finished. He says that the SDM focuses not only on building infrastructure but also on ensuring sustainability through urban forestry, better waste management and facilities like cycling tracks and rainwater storage systems. “The aim is to integrate environmental needs with development so that Lahore not only grow bigger but also greener and becomes more convenient for its people.”
He says the roundabouts on Zahoor Elahi Road and at Hussain Chowk are being remodelled not just for a smooth traffic flow but also to serve as spaces where rainwater can be stored for recharging groundwater levels.
Solar-powered streetlights are being installed to reduce electricity consumption and standardised signboards for easy navigation.
Farooq says that once Gulberg’s makeover is complete, similar projects shall be started in other parts of the city. These include Sabzazar Main Boulevard, Johar Town G-1 Market, Thokar Niaz Beg Entry Point and Tollinton Market.
Some of the city areas that have long been neglected are also part of the scheme. For instance, the roads in Block B-III have been asphalted with improved drainage systems and underground cables for internet and other utilities are being laid out. Solar-powered lights are being installed to enhance safety and reduce electricity costs.
Ahsan Raza is the editor of Minute Mirror. He can be reached atahsanbudhhotmail.com