Lahore's skyline rises as its ecology declines

Lahore, once celebrated as the "City of Gardens," is undergoing rapid urban transformation that experts warn is threatening its ecological balance and livability. Over the past six years, the city has witnessed a surge in high-rise construction, expanding urban sprawl, and a significant decline in green spaces and agricultural land. According to estimates, Lahore had between 60 and 80 high-rise buildings in 2020. By 2026, that number has risen to over 200, with more than 150 additional projects currently under construction. While vertical growth is often seen as a solution to urban congestion, experts caution that poorly planned development can exacerbate environmental challenges. Construction expert Sikandar Iqbal told Express News that high-rise buildings, if not designed according to local climate conditions, can act as "heat traps," increasing energy consumption and contributing to the urban heat island effect. He emphasized the need for energy-efficient designs, smart building technologies, and mandatory green standards to mitigate these risks. Urban planning issues have further compounded the situation. Traffic congestion, rising vehicle emissions and a lack of integrated public transport systems have led to increased pollution levels across the city. Urban planner Dr Atif Bilal Aslam criticised Lahore's development model, describing it as a flawed imitation of car-centric planning approaches. "Lahore was once a compact, human-scale city," he said, adding that unregulated expansion and relocation of industrial zones to the outskirts, without proper planning, have increased reliance on private vehicles. He stressed the need to "re-compact" the city and invest in a connected and efficient public transport network to reduce carbon emissions. Perhaps the most alarming trend is the rapid disappearance of agricultural land and natural habitats. Experts estimate that by 2026, only around 10 square kilometrrs of fertile land will remain on Lahore's outskirts, compared to thousands of acres just a few years ago. This loss of green cover has weakened the city's natural ability to regulate temperature and filter air. Environmentalist Naseem Shah termed the situation an ecological crisis, noting that the destruction of green belts and forests has left Lahore increasingly vulnerable to smog and extreme weather conditions. "These natural buffers acted as the city's lungs," he said. "Their removal has contributed directly to worsening air quality, especially during winter." Air quality data reflects this decline, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) frequently reaching hazardous levels during smog season. Although the government has introduced measures such as emission controls and agricultural initiatives, experts argue that these efforts are insufficient without large-scale restoration of green spaces. Despite the challenges, specialists believe the situation is not beyond repair. They recommend revising the city's master plan in line with international sustainability goals, enforcing green building regulations, and initiating large-scale reforestation and urban greening projects.