The rapid development of housing societies in Sarai Alamgir and its neighbouring cities is becoming a serious issue for the local population. While infrastructure development is essential for the country’s progress, its unplanned and excessive expansion can lead to long-term problems. There are several housing societies that are disrupting the traditional lifestyle of locals.
Most of the local population depends on agricultural land for their livelihood and domestic food needs. These lands are now being lost to housing projects, leaving people unable to grow crops. Cattle farming, another vital source of income, is also being affected as grazing areas are shrinking. Additionally, homes are being destroyed or forcibly acquired, and locals are often forced to sell their land at low prices. Meanwhile, plots of land in these housing societies are sold at very high rates, creating a financial imbalance. The consequences for locals are severe. In this era of inflation, many families are unable to afford essential food products such as flour and vegetables, which they previously cultivated themselves. When their homes and lands are sold, they often lack enough resources to build new houses and are left to live in rented accommodations. A fight between local residents and land mafias over forced acquisitions last year even led to a fatality. Environmental issues add to the problem. The Pabbi forest, an important ecological area, is being rapidly cut down to make space for these societies. This deforestation is harming the region’s environment and contributing to climate change.
The government must address this issue by balancing development with local needs. Alternative agricultural lands and financial assistance for rebuilding homes should be provided. Forests must be protected to ensure environmental safety. Urgent action against land mafias is also essential to safeguard the lives and property of the local population.
Adeel Younis
Faizpur
