Despite tall claims made by the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), the future of Pakistan’s first mega riverfront development project seems to be hanging in the balance. And to think that it was touted as a “game-changer” for the country’s economy.

Under the project, an entirely new city is to be built along the Ravi River, covering more than 100,000 acres in the north of Lahore. Its original plan involved the construction of three barrages — one near Shahdara, the other on M2, and yet another near the Hadiara drain. These were meant to raise the water table in the provincial metropolis.

The project hit a major roadblock amid allegations of corruption and illegal appointments. Even after the passage of almost three years, the Authority hasn’t been able to acquire the requisite private land essential for the construction. The 5,000 acres of land that has acquired is mostly government land. Recently, the FIA has initiated an inquiry into the process of the purchase of private land by the RUDA. It would be interesting to see if the multi-billion-dollar project will take off during the tenure of Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

The Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project (RRUDP) was launched amid great fanfare. It was said to help mitigate environmental issues including water shortage and unplanned development. Sadly, it turned into a real estate project against which a large number of farmers and landowners are up in arms to this day. Furthermore, it has added to the city’s criminally high air pollution levels.

On the other hand, the locals don’t seem interested in selling their land to the RUDA. They say they are being offered nominal price. Besides, the RUDA’s registered dealers are accused of pushing the locals to give up on their lands. These dealers are making money in the name of commission, the locals allege. The authorities have clearly failed to address their concerns, which is why the locals have taken to the streets.

The RUDA has now offered a 5-marla developed plot for the land that falls in the riverbed, and a 10-marla plot for the land that is away from the river, in addition to the payment of the price for the land set by the government. Though this may not be illegal, it raises many a question.

The RUDA has now offered a 5-marla developed plot for the land that falls in the riverbed, and a 10-marla plot for the land that is away from the river, in addition to the payment of the price for the land set by the government.

Though this may not be illegal, it raises many a question. For instance, without complete land acquisition and environmental approval, how can the RUDA proceed to market the project and seek investment?

It is important to note here that under the law meant for urban development, no property developer can market their project without getting all the approvals. If the RUDA were a regular property developer, this would be considered a violation of the law. But since the RUDA is not a routine property developer, a special law has been created that allows it to function as such.

Akbar Abbas, a small landowner of the area, is of the view that the RUDA wants to “deprive us of our precious land. Basically, it’s a way to grab our valuable lands at throwaway prices in order to serve the interests of big guns and the highly influential land mafia.”

It may also be mentioned here that at least 100 illegal housing societies fall under the jurisdiction of the RUDA. These societies are flourishing despite denials by the RUDA officials who claim to have issued warning letters to them.

When contacted by this scribe, RUDA’s spokesperson, Sana Iqbal, said that being a mega project, the RRUDP involved massive forestation, seven water treatment plants and three barrages. The project, she insisted, was a work in progress. “Currently, land is being acquired; and several related projects are being implemented. All of it is being done in accordance with Section 9 of the RUDA Act,” she says.

Iqbal maintains that the RUDA has also taken action against the reported “100 illegal housing societies.”

The writer is a senior journalist