The Orange Line Train verdict and after

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.”

Lahore with a population of 1.13 million badly needs an efficient and decent transport system. The initiative taken by Shahbaz Sharif was therefore a move in the right direction. The Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project initiated in September 2015 was meant to supplement the Lahore Metrobus project which became operative in February  2013. Unlike the latter, the OLMT was to chart an altogether  new route  affecting several settlements and historical sites. It was  devised without due homework, consultation or public debate. 

There being laws and regulations about the preservation of historic sites, the government was required to  prepare its construction plans in line with these. Being  in a hurry the Punjab Chief Minister neglected taking the required  precautionary measures. This led to litigation which caused  delay in the completion of the project besides raising its cost. A slapdash  attitude  adopted by contractors hired by the government  led to at least 25 deaths of workers   leading to  protests and payment of compensations. The SC in its decision has laid down 31 conditions that have to be adhered to while conducting work on the project. The last one requires that in  all future projects, no-objection certificates, licences, approvals and permissions as required by law shall be obtained before work on the project site is commenced.

The development work is undertaken to improve the living conditions of a people and for the advancement of the community. The country needs new factories, water reservoirs and modern transport systems. With fast  increasing urbanization,  there is a need for town planning keeping in view the needs of the future. In large cities like Lahore, factories which have over time been surrounded by thickly populated settlements  need to be relocated to industrial areas outside the city.  While undertaking projects that affect the lives of many, the planners must  ensure that these  are in no way injurious to  health, do not adversely affect the  habitat or impair the national heritage. The development has to be well-guided so that it does not add to the problems already being faced  by people .