Industrial relocation planned for cleaner city

Committee to phase out industries from residential areas to improve air quality

To address climate change impacts, reduce pollution, and improve urban living, the Faisalabad divisional administration has announced the phased relocation of industrial units from the city to designated industrial zones.

The move revives recommendations from decades-old master plans and aims to ensure long-term sustainable development.

On the directive of Commissioner Faisalabad Raja Jahangir Anwar, a "District Industrial Relocation Committee" has been officially established.

The committee will oversee consultation with stakeholders, conduct surveys, and develop a roadmap for shifting industries from residential areas to peri-urban or rural zones where state land is available.

Sources noted that previous urban and industrial plans — including the Structure Plan 1986, Greater Faisalabad Plan 1991, Faisalabad Master Plan 1993 led by Tasneem Norani, Transportation and Traffic Management Plan 1997, Peri-Urban Structure Plan 2015, and FDA Master Plan 2021, had all recommended relocation of industrial infrastructure. However, implementation had remained limited until now.

The committee will work closely with the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce, Sizing Association, APTMA, and Small Industries Association.

It will also prepare actionable proposals on incentives, alternative land provision, soft loans, tax exemptions, and facilitation for NOCs to ensure industries can shift smoothly without harming employment, exports, or production.

The committee's membership includes the Director General FDA as convener, District Officer Industries as secretary, and representatives from Additional Commissioner Coordination, Punjab Small Industries Corporation, Labor Department, Environmental Protection, Municipal Corporation Planning, FIEDMC, National Textile University, and Government College University.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar told newsmen that industrial activities are currently spread across almost every union council in Faisalabad, creating challenges that affect infrastructure and urban life quality.

He emphasised that the initiative is voluntary, not punitive, aiming to support industries while addressing pollution, untreated wastewater, noise, and traffic issues.

"This is a three- to five-year plan," he said. "We will start with industries causing air and water pollution, heavy logistics traffic, or noise. The government will provide incentives and dedicated industrial zones.

Our approach combines support and regulation to promote industry, protect employment, and safeguard public health."

The administration plans a phased rollout over the next two to three months, during which industries will communicate their requirements.

Once finalised, the relocation process will be implemented efficiently, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and urban welfare.