By In a bold step toward addressing Lahore’s rising smog and air pollution crisis, the Punjab government has approved a 40-kilometer green corridor project stretching from Shahdara to Raiwind. The initiative, part of a broader effort to improve public health and environmental conditions in the city, aims to convert barren or underutilized land along railway tracks into lush green belts.
Project Scope and Route
- Total Length: 40 kilometers
- Route: Shahdara to Raiwind
- Land Area: Approximately 700 kanals
- Budget: Over Rs. 2.35 billion
- Timeline: Expected to be completed within one year
This green corridor will not only serve as a natural barrier against harmful emissions but also improve the overall livability of Lahore by increasing the city’s green cover.
Key Features of the Green Corridor
- Landscaping along railway tracks to reduce dust and airborne particles
- Recreational areas with parks and public spaces at various intervals
- Repurposing of old railway carriages into libraries and cafés, creating engaging community hubs
- Encouragement of public participation through access to green spaces and cultural activities
Environmental and Social Impact
The Lahore Green Corridor Project is expected to:
- Significantly reduce urban smog and heat islands
- Enhance biodiversity in an urban setting
- Promote environmental awareness and recreational opportunities
- Improve air quality, particularly in densely populated neighborhoods along the railway
Implementation & Oversight
The project will be supervised by the Punjab Housing Department, which is tasked with ensuring timely execution and sustainable development standards. Environmental engineers, landscape designers, and urban planners will collaborate to make the corridor both functional and beautiful.
Public Reception
The announcement has been widely welcomed by environmentalists and residents alike. Many see it as a long-overdue move to counter Lahore’s growing environmental challenges, especially during winter months when smog levels surge dangerously high.
The Lahore Green Corridor Project represents a forward-thinking, sustainable solution to one of the city’s most urgent problems—air pollution. With a holistic design combining green belts, community spaces, and eco-innovation, the corridor is poised to transform the urban landscape of Lahore and set an example for other cities in Pakistan.
