Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has approved to establish River Ravi Front Authority for developing a most modern city in the north of Lahore, and according to sources, Punjab government will promulgate an ordinance for the establishment of this authority with the chief minister as its chairman. This authority would work for developing a new city over an area of more than one lakh acres. It is expected that five thousand billion rupees investment will be made by the private sector. The new city will help to overcome the problems of congested traffic, water and environment in Lahore city. A large lake and free barrages will also be built in the new city.
Usman Buzdar has directed to start the Greater Thal Canal project to irrigate the barren lands of Layyah, Bhakkar, Jhang, Muzaffargarh and Khushab.
While presiding over a meeting at his office, the CM directed that work on the canal system’s restoration should be expedited as it would help in increasing agricultural productivity. He further directed that the land acquisition process should be completed on a priority basis and asked the concerned Commissioner to immediately complete the survey. The land rates should be identified on merit and the landowners be transparently paid the price of lands, he added. The one-window operation should begin for payment of land, he further said. He said the ADB will provide 150 million dollar assistance for this project. The CM said the Forest Department should be provided alternate land in lieu of its acquired land. Punjab cabinet will give final approval of financial matters of Greater Thal Canal project, he added.
Irrigation Minister Mohsin Leghari, Chief Secretary, Chairman P&D and SMBR attended the meeting while Commissioner Sargodha and DC Layyah participated through video link.
Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that population explosion and ever-increasing problems are a threat to human survival.
In his message, the CM stated that an unplanned increase in population results in creating different problems and this day highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between population and resources. He added that the whole world and Pakistan is facing an unusual situation due to coronavirus. Meanwhile, protection of mother and child is a priority of the government and steps have been taken to provide the best healthcare facilities to womenfolk, he added. Access to voluntary family planning has been ensured while remaining safe from coronavirus. He maintained that public cooperation is important for overcoming the problems relating to population explosion. The quality of life can be improved by overcoming the population explosion, he said. The government is utilizing resources to expand the scope of services relating to family planning and it is imperative to hold the tsunami of population explosion for protecting the natural resources. It has become a global challenge to enhance resources according to population increase and the people should play their role for increasing awareness about family planning, the CM concluded.
