The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has started a new project at Nasser Bagh, one of Lahore’s well-known parks. This project is an underground parking plaza, which is inspired by the Neela Gumbad design. It is part of the city’s plan to improve parking and reduce traffic problems in busy areas.
Project Details
The underground plaza will cover a total of 11 kanals of land. It will have two basement levels and enough space to accommodate:
| Vehicle Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cars | 256 |
| Motorcycles | 510 |
The main goals of the project are:
- Reduce traffic congestion in nearby streets.
- Improve air quality by limiting vehicle idling.
- Provide safe, off-street parking for people visiting the area.
Environmental Efforts
Before starting construction, the LDA took steps to protect the green areas of the park. These include:
- Transplanting 123 trees from the construction site to safer locations.
- Supervision by horticulture experts to ensure plants and trees are cared for properly.
Concerns from the Public
Despite these efforts, many residents and conservation groups have criticized the project. Their main concerns are:
- Damage to the park’s natural landscaping.
- Possible harm to heritage features in the area.
Civil society organizations are planning a protest on December 2 to show their opposition. Dr. Ajaz Anwar, a member of the Lahore Conservation Society, has asked the government to reconsider the site and move the plaza to a less sensitive location.
Support from Educational Institutions
Nearby colleges and art institutions have also expressed concern. Their points include:
- Protecting heritage structures in the park.
- Maintaining public green spaces for students and residents.
- Ensuring that the area remains a safe and healthy environment for visitors.
These groups have indicated they may join the protest to support the cause.
Benefits vs Challenges
Here is a simple comparison of the pros and cons of the underground plaza:
| Benefits | Challenges / Concerns |
|---|---|
| Reduces traffic congestion | Possible damage to greenery |
| Improves air quality | Heritage features might be harmed |
| Provides secure parking | Public may lose open space |
| Modernizes park infrastructure | Criticism from civil society |
Conclusion
The underground plaza project at Nasser Bagh is a major step towards modernizing Lahore’s parking system. While it promises better traffic management and cleaner air, it also raises important questions about heritage protection and green spaces. The coming weeks, including the planned protest, will show how the government and the public balance development with conservation.
