Lahore bears the brunt of urbanisation

The influx of people from various cities causing traffic congestion 

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan which is home to people from all over the country. It is the hub of culture, history, academic institutions, multinationals, mega industries and business firms. Smog in Lahore is no hidden mystery, but is it just the poor air quality or multitudes of deep routed and understated negligence of citizens residing here? Bol News talked to experts on this matter.

The traffic congestion on all major roads of Lahore has become worse, especially during the last three years

The traffic congestion on all major roads of Lahore has become worse, especially during the last three years. As a result, the passengers spend more time in their cars and spend hours on the roads. The reason, of course, is the influx of people from various cities of Pakistan to the metropolis, the rush hours and the lack of alternative routes. All major roads including Mall Road, Jail Road, Canal Road, Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Davis Road and all adjoining arteries remain badly congested throughout the week, imagine what would simply have been happening on the weekends.

And this situation gets more problematic when matches, protests and other events are planned in the city. However, we try our best to keep the traffic flowing but the problems are very deep-rooted.

To reach the university in the morning, we have to start our journey at least 2-3 hours earlier

The traffic situation has worsened in the past three years. Whenever we travel from Gullberg to Canal Road, traffic congestion and road accidents are the worst problems that we encounter from morning till evening. The roadblocks due to countless vehicles and their hazardous emissions are endangering our lives.

To reach the university in the morning, we have to start our journey at least 2-3 hours earlier.

If we use public transport like Speedo or Metro Buses, they are over-occupied due to the high demand for college and office-going people.

The government of Punjab needs to pay heed to this issue otherwise living in Lahore will soon become very difficult.

I suggest people to stay at home and move out in their vehicles only when necessary during this smog season

We are trying our best to deal with the situation through sustainable environmental control, which means fighting air, water and soil pollution.

We are also pondering adding parks, playgrounds, and open spaces to balance the growing urbanisation which is impacting the environment.

We want support from the public. The worsening environment in the city is not because of ill planning but all residents of Lahore are equally responsible for it.

To resolve this problem, cooperation from both sides is urgently required. I suggest people to better stay at home, and only move out in their vehicles when necessary during this smog season.”