Change in the Master Plan of Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA)
A special meeting was held in Murree under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, during which directives were issued to ensure the implementation of the Master Plan of the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) and to curb the illegal buying and selling of land within RUDA’s jurisdiction.
In a key decision, it was agreed in principle to increase the forest cover in RUDA from 20% to 35% of the total area. The meeting also reached a consensus on proposals to construct an international-level airport within the RUDA project, clean the Ravi River, and widen the river to over 1,000 meters. Furthermore, it was decided to collaborate with China and other international companies for the completion of these projects.
The Chief Minister reviewed a proposal to establish a special police force to ensure strict enforcement of laws prohibiting construction in forest areas and to prevent encroachments on RUDA land. She emphasized that RUDA must guarantee environmental protection across all its projects.
It was reported that 117 billion gallons of water will be stored in RUDA’s three lakes, while an additional 586,000 cusecs of water will be conserved through a barrage. Moreover, eight wastewater treatment plants will be installed to treat sewage water discharged into the Ravi River through drains. All existing villages within RUDA’s territory will be developed into model villages to ensure that generations of local residents are not displaced.
The RUDA project aims to build a new city on 100,000 acres along the Ravi River. Once completed, it is expected to be the largest riverfront development project in the world. The project, to be executed in three phases over a 30-year period, is estimated to cost PKR 500 billion. Its objective is to create a sustainable, planned city that provides industry, education, recreation, and housing for over 35 million people, while also addressing Lahore’s growing population and urban sprawl. A key aspect of the project is the restoration of the Ravi River, transforming it into a clean, freshwater body.
If the government devises a strategy that takes Lahore’s pollution levels into account, it could significantly enhance the city’s beauty and bring improvements to surrounding areas. However, if land-grabbing and exploitative practices, similar to those seen in other property schemes, are allowed to take hold in this region, it would not only devastate this new development but also further worsen the existing conditions in Lahore.
