Shifting of businesses from Shahalam, other markets planned

LAHORE: Deputy Commissioner Saleha Saeed has sought the proposals of the business community regarding relocating the businesses from Shahalam and other markets to the area outside Ring Road, saying the plan would be prepared just after 10 days of receiving the proposals.In a more than two-hour long meeting here on Wednesday, the DC discussed with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Almas Hyder the “transformation of Lahore. Relocation of businesses and its positive economic impacts, industrial zoning, expansion and various other issues came under the discussion.The DC said that planning was the responsibility of LDA. She said that relocation of markets from the city to the outside of Ring Road was a very good idea of the LCCI and it would definitely help transformation of Lahore. She said that over 750 acres of land had been identified near Saggian for establishment of truck stands after complete homework and work would be started once the proposal was finalised. She also asked the LCCI to join hands with the government for forestation at various vacant places of the City.LCCI President Almas Hyder said that transformation of Lahore was the need of the hour as it was not just a provincial capital but the economic capital of Punjab. He said a large number of traders were losing their assets in operation against encroachments as they purchased the properties with the documents. Real guilty were those who grabbed the lands and managed to prepare papers somehow and sold the properties to the traders.He said that the area outside Ring Road which was still vacant should be zoned for commercial purposes and all the affectees should be allowed to purchase land and build their shops/offices there. This zoning will reduce pressure on the City and will also help expansion of economic activities. He said that the zoning should be done immediately.The LCCI president said Shahalam and other markets should be declared “Heritage” that would give many economic benefits to the government while the issue of traffic chaos and environment, etc, could also be tackled easily.Almas Hyder informed the DC that no land was available in Lahore for industrialisation. Two years ago, LCCI identified 66,500 acres of land in south and north for establishment of new industries but no action has been taken yet.Travelling in Lahore has become painful. Relocation of markets outside of Ring Road will ease the pressure on Lahore city. These problems can be tackled through consultation. The business community is ready to support but they must be taken on board. Various issued faced by the traders were noted and immediate remedial measures were stressed.

from The News International - Lahore https://ift.tt/2C8caRr