Lahore: On the lines of Vertical Development Promotion In Islamabad, The Town Planning Wing of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), in order to promote Vertical Developments in Lahore, also has approved the construction of 121 Apartment Buildings in various areas of the city. As per detail during a period of nine months i.e, March to December 2021, the civic agency approved 121 apartment buildings and scores of more projects of similar nature are under consideration of the authority. An official of the LDA told, “The building plans of 121 apartment buildings were approved during a period of nine months - from March to December 31, last year. Dozens of more such plans are currently under consideration these days”. The LDA,s Town Planning Wing has also approved plans and maps of several residential and commercial buildings during this period of time. The figure includes 5656 residential buildings, 284 commercial and industrial buildings besides the issuance of completion certificates to 903 buildings.
It is further informed that the civic agency during a period of nine months also took action against 6067 buildings that were either demolished or sealed due to violation of town planning violations. The LDA authorities also registered 232 FIRs against those violating the building bylaws and regulations. It is to be clarified here that in 2019 the LDA promulgated new laws to promote high-rise buildings in the city. In this regard, it was decided to speed up the approvals of high risers by doing away with unnecessary restrictions in their constructions. The vertical developments were also facilitated through one window cell established by LDA. The LDA is of the view that by discouraging horizontal development important land areas can be preserved for green belts and agricultural purposes. The vertical buildings as per new bylaws were directed to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made for Rooftop Gardening Promotion In Buildings and solar installations besides a sizeable open area for parking.
The LDA completed amendments in its bylaws whereby allowing apartment buildings on plots measuring 4 canals and above in major towns of the city. However under the direction of the premier to promote vertical developments LDA wants to allow a 48-foot high apartment building even on a 10 marla plot situated in 30 to 40 feet street and 98-foot high structure in on the building situated in 80 to 100-foot street which can be further increased to 120 feet depending upon the width of the road in the residential area. An urban expert talking to newsmen said that the vertical developments in the city are highly appreciable it should be allowed only after an integrated planning and critical analysis as to whether the areas where these developments are being planned have adequate and upgraded civic services like clean drinking water, sewerage, electricity, gas, etc.
