Lahore Conservation Society and Citizens’ Coalition write letter to CM Maryam Nawaz on the Yellow Line Train Project
Lahore
The Lahore Conservation Society (LCS), along with a coalition of concerned citizens, professionals, and civil society organizations, has formally written to the Chief Minister of Punjab, Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, raising serious concerns about the proposed Yellow Line Metro Train Project in Lahore.
The coalition includes WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), IAP (Institute of Architects Pakistan), PCATP (Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners), HRCP (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan), Architect Yasmeen Lari representing Heritage Foundation & INTBAU, Shirkatgah, Heritage Pakistan, SOCH, PILAC, Sarang, WAF, CROM Lahore, Lahore Sangat, Urban planner Arif Hassan, Urban Resource Center, The Sarhad Conservation Network and numerous individuals.
Read: Lahore’s Yellow Line Project Sparks Backlash Over Cost And Environmental Damage
The letter highlights the social, environmental, and cultural costs of the project, which the coalition believes could cause irreversible damage to the city. Key issues outlined in the letter include:
- Legal Violations: The project contravenes Supreme Court orders and violates the Canal Urban Heritage Park Act 2013.
- Violation of International convention: The project, if executed, will violate UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention.
- Lack of Public Consultation: As required under the Lahore Master Plan
2050, civil society approval for major development projects has not been sought.
- Environmental Oversight: There is a lack of transparency regarding the environmental approval process for the project.
- Absence of EIA and Stakeholder Engagement: No evidence of a public Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been presented, nor have key stakeholders or civil society been consulted—as mandated under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997.
- Ecological Impact: The project threatens one of Lahore’s most important green corridors, which serves as a vital ecological buffer and oxygen source for the city.
- Deforestation Concerns: Approximately 1,400 mature trees are slated for removal along Canal Road, from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura.
- Economic Priorities: The proposed cost of over PKR 80 billion places a heavy financial burden on the public. Citizens demand that priority instead be given to urgent needs such as clean drinking water, improved sanitation and storm drainage systems, healthcare, and education.
Sustainable Alternatives Proposed
In place of the Yellow Line, the coalition urges the government to consider sustainable, low-impact transport solutions that align with global best practices:
- Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRT): Introduce an electric BRT system on the existing road network with dedicated lanes offering fast, frequent, and affordable service.
- Tree Protection and Tagging Legislation: Enact and enforce laws to protect and monitor Lahore’s urban trees.
- Green Zoning Laws: Establish zoning policies that prioritize the preservation of green spaces.
- Clean Public Transport: Expand the city’s public transport system with electric and hybrid bus fleets including double buses.
- Walkability and Cycling: Develop safe pedestrian walkways and dedicated cycling lanes connected to transit stops for seamless multimodal transport.
- Bike-Sharing Programs: Launch public bicycle-sharing schemes, particularly around campuses, markets, and transport hubs.
- Smart Mobility Solutions: Use integrated transport apps and data-driven planning to improve traffic flow and reduce reliance on costly infrastructure projects.
- In addition, the coalition urges the government to redirect resources toward critical public services—such as clean water supply, improved sanitation and storm drainage, quality healthcare, and access to education—which are essential for a just, healthy, and resilient city.
The coalition envisions a green, livable, well-connected, and well-serviced Lahore—built on inclusive, smart, and environmentally responsible planning. The proposed Yellow Line, in its current form, contradicts this vision. (PR)
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