KARACHI:
In recent decades, technological evolution and infrastructure development have brought significant changes everywhere. While some changes are positive, others have amplified issues. In most major cities, we see skyscrapers and urban developments that beautify the city. However, most of these developments are constructed after clearing out green belts and trees, which is harmful to the environment. Developers and constructors have ignored municipal guidelines and encroached on nullahs, footpaths, etc causing many problems.
Shopping malls and supermarkets are particularly busy and have become a cause of congestion in metropolitan cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, etc. Most do not have proper parking facilities compelling visitors to double-park on roads violating traffic rules and causing traffic jams. These issues reveal authorities’ negligence and poor urban planning, which have intensified issues for citizens. The federal and provincial governments should work together to form guidelines for urban development to ensure that the infrastructure built in cities and towns is safe and secure.
Many hotels and lodges were destroyed during the recent floods because they were built on hazardous lands. Therefore, the relevant authorities should pay more heed to urban planning and development and ensure that developers are not undertaking illegal construction activities and have acquired proper permits. Also, relevant authorities should improve parking facilities in dense cities and urge developers to include parking facilities in their construction plans. This can help mitigate traffic issues in cities and reduce congestion.
Ali Akbar
Nankana Sahib
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2022.
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