ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan while charing a meeting regarding two mega projects of the government in Lahore namely, Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and Central Business District (CBD) Lahore, directed the Punjab Government to take stern action against the elements involved in encroaching and grabbing the state land to establish Illegal Housing Schemes and constructions. He also stressed the need of expediting the pace of work on RUDA and CBD. Earlier the IMC Banned the Advertisement Of Illegal Societies Also, and now the PM also has taken notice of this serious matter.
The Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to ensure environment-friendly material and plantation of trees during the execution of the two mega projects. The PM stressed the need for promoting green urbanization throughout the country that, he said would reduce the adverse impacts of pollution. He said, “ Green urbanization will help in reducing the adverse impact of pollution and these models should be replicated in other cities of the country”., The projects like RUDA and CBD, the PM said would help a great deal in improving the socio-economic condition of a layman.
Earlier it was informed in the meeting that the work on both Megaprojects was in full swing and an investment of around Rs 100 billion is expected in Central Business District on the first year. It was also informed that 1900 low-cost housing units are also included in the Ravi Urban Development Scheme. The meeting was attended by Advisor Finance Shaukat Tarin, Information Minister Fawad Ahmed, Chairman Naya Pakistan Housing & Development Authority Lt-Gen (R) Anwar Ali Haider, and Chief Secretary Punjab.
Speaking to the participants of the meeting the prime minister said that the mega urbanization projects are being launched to attract investment and that the effort of the government in this regard should not be criticized for political reasons. It is to be mentioned here that the incumbent government had a plan to construct 5 million houses and create 10 million jobs and the ongoing projects of the government like Naya Pakistan Housing, RUDA, and CBD is a step in the same direction.
