Based on the Neela Gumbad plan for the city, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) has started construction on an underground parking lot near Nasser Bagh. The project will establish two basement floors and occupy 11 kanals, providing space for 510 motorbikes and 256 vehicles.
The Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), the organization carrying out the project, states that the plaza’s objectives are to reduce traffic, enhance air quality by lowering idling, and give drivers safe off-street parking.
In order to prepare the land, officials noted, 123 trees were moved under the supervision of horticultural specialists. However, locals and conservation organizations have harshly criticized the project, claiming that the heritage elements and landscape will be negatively impacted.
Civil society organisations have called a protest for December 2 to register their objections. Dr. Ajaz Anwar of the Lahore Conservation Society warned the government to reconsider the site and urged officials to relocate the plaza to a less sensitive area.
Concerns about the loss of public green space and cultural heritage have prompted representatives of local universities and art institutions to announce preparations to participate in the protest.