TFD Report
LAHORE: The Chairman Ravi Urban Development Authority Rashid Aziz said that no industry would be harmed or acquired unduly. The survey is being conducted for information collection while relocation of industry or residential area is not the part of planning.
He was speaking at a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah, LCCI Senior Vice President Nasir Hameed Khan, Vice President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry, former President Muhammad Ali Mian and representatives of trade and industry at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry also spoke on the occasion.
Chairman RUDA informed the house that Ravi River Front Urban Development Project is aimed at rehabilitating Lahore city, meeting the needs of growing population, alleviating water scarcity and accelerating economic process across the province, including Lahore. He said that 46 km lake is a part of the project. He said that the green area of Lahore has been reduced by 167% with the passage of time. He said that 200% growth of urbanization has been witnessed of the city. The project would help get rid of pollution and smog issues.
He said that the implementation of the project would not only meet the needs of Lahore city but would also create immense opportunities for jobs and economic activities. He said that implementation of the project within the stipulated timeline is a priority of the government.
“Keeping in view his vision and government priorities, the progress of the project is being monitored at the highest level and set targets for implementation and that timely completion would be ensured”, the Chairman added and said that Ravi River Urban Development Project is very important for Punjab and the whole of Pakistan, it would help attract foreign exchange and create job opportunities.
LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah said that many members of the Business Community have approached us and shown their concerns regarding this project.
He said that in the planning stage of this multi-trillion Rupees project, the industrial units located in and around this area, especially the steel rolling units are being marked and sealed. Notices are being served to the industrial units under the section 4 of Land Acquisition Act. It is pertinent to mention that thousands of industrial units are located in this area since many years which are providing substantial employment opportunities.
The LCCI President said that Government should share the complete project details along with timelines with the Business Community. “We have been ensured by the Provincial Minister for Housing in his recent visit to LCCI that no Industrial Unit would be harmed unduly”, he added. LCCI Senior Vice President Nasir Hameed Khan and Vice President Tahir Manzoor Chaudhry said that all measures should be taken in consultation with the stakeholders and this affair should be handled with care and responsibility.
“Infrastructure development projects are a must for economic progress and prosperity but interests of industry are parallel important. It should be kept in view that no industry is harmed because of Ravi River Front Urban Development Project as an industrial unit is not a composition of machines and building but it is a source of bread and butter of thousands besides giving revenue to the national exchequer”, the participants said.