Kalima Chowk flyover denounced as ‘illegal’

The Lahore Bachao Tehreek and the Lahore Conservation Society denounce decision for construction of flyover.

LAHORE: The Lahore Bachao Tehreek and the Lahore Conservation Society on Tuesday held a press conference at the Press Club denouncing government’s decision to start construction of a flyover at Kalima Chowk and cutting of 70 trees for this purpose.

They said the $2.1 billion project was planned without seeking approval from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Advocate Ahmed Rafay Alam said that under Pakistan Environment Protection Act, 1997, any infrastructure project costing over Rs50 million must get EPA’s approval. Urban Planner Imrana Tiwana said it was unfortunate to see the government violating its own rules. The trees are being cut to provide a temporary diversion.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2011.