Experts on Friday said the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metro Bus Project (MBS) has no negative environmental impact rather it would help reduce air, noise and dust pollution at Saddar-Faizabad section of the Murree road.
They said existing physical, biological, economic and environmental conditions were thoroughly assessed prior to initiating the mega transport project and found increased rate of environmental pollution caused by bumper-to-bumper traffic during peak hours, traffic signals and frequent traffic jams throughout the day at the main artery.
During a public hearing held here at the Liaquat Memorial Hall, representative of National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) Adeel Pervez said no tree would be cut at the project site as 8.6 kilometer elevated track from Flashman’s Chowk Saddar upto Faizabad would be constructed in middle of the existing road.
With launching of the mass transit scheme, he said, environmental conditions would improve as there would be no traffic mess and smoke emitting from stranded vehicles causing air and noise pollution.
Besides, commuters traveling between twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would have cheap, fast and decent public transport service, he said. He apprised that approximately 22 kanals of land would be acquired for setting up 10 bus terminals at Rawalpindi section of the bus project.
He said efforts are being made to acquire maximum land from government and avoid private buying. However, the project affected people would be compensated judiciously.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director Naseemur Rehman said the MBS is socially, economically and environmentally beneficial for the common man. He said quarterly environmental assessment of the 10-month project would be carried out at the construction site to protect citizens from any negative affect during the period.
Among others, representatives of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) including project director, SP Traffic participated in the public hearing and expressed their views on different environmental aspects of the project.
