Anti-encroachment drive stirs controversy in Lahore

In Lahore, a large-scale operation is underway by the Punjab government to remove encroachments from roads, markets, footpaths, and areas surrounding historical sites to return the city to its original form. However, these actions have sparked controversy due to allegations of tree cutting and damage to historic green spaces, leading to strong concerns from citizens and environmental groups.

Imrana Tiwana, Convener of the Lahore Bachao Movement, warned that rising pollution levels were a serious danger. “Our movement is not against development but demands balance and proper planning. Lahore, a 5,000-year-old city known as the “City of Gardens,” has lost nearly 75 per cent of its greenery in the past decade due to deforestation and unchecked construction, damaging its historical and cultural identity,” said Tiwana.

Tiwana further added that urban development was a science, and Lahore now ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, with residents’ life expectancy reduced by nearly eight years. Winter smog has made breathing difficult, while the city’s green cover has fallen to about 5 per cent compared to the global average of 25 per cent. Hence, preserving trees and expanding green belts, she stressed, was essential.

“Lahore Bachao has joined hands with HRCP, architects, and Ravi Bachao groups to form a united platform and has filed a petition in court. Tree cutting in areas like Nasir Bagh could lead to environmental disasters. The courts have ordered protection of 805 parks and declared clean air a fundamental right under Article 9. The government must build plazas in non-green areas, plant more trees, reduce vehicle numbers, and shift parking projects away from residential and green spaces,” said Tiwana.

On the other hand, government officials maintained that removing encroachments would restore Lahore’s beauty, ease pedestrian movement, reduce traffic congestion, and support business activity. “Eliminating illegal constructions is necessary to restore historic Lahore’s original identity. As part of this vision, projects to widen roads, resolve parking issues, and upgrade infrastructure are ongoing across the city,” claimed the officials.

In this regard, the Lahore Bachao movement agreed that genuine encroachments harming public interest should be removed without discrimination. However, it insisted that development must not come at the cost of trees, green spaces, and historical heritage. The movement demanded a clear environmental policy to protect these assets.

Currently, Lahore Railway Station is being restored, where environmentalists stress new trees should be planted. Proposals are also under consideration for parking plazas at Nasir Bagh on Mall Road and near the old Tollinton Market, with construction already underway at Nasir Bagh. Neela Gumbad is being restored to its original form, and a train service along the canal has been proposed for public convenience. Critics warned that these plans may involve cutting or relocating trees, which could worsen environmental conditions.

Citizens and experts argued that restoring Lahore did not simply mean removing encroachments, but also included creating a city where development, environmental protection, and historical preservation coexisted. However, the key question remained whether the government was willing to seriously address these concerns and work towards making Lahore a truly organized, green, and historically preserved city.