Punjab Government to Reduce Greenbelt Heights to Combat Urban Flooding

The Punjab government has unveiled a bold plan to lower greenbelt elevations in urban areas to tackle chronic flooding, as announced on July 12, 2025, by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). Directed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, this initiative aims to enhance rainwater absorption and reduce road flooding, addressing a persistent issue that disrupts city life. By reshaping urban infrastructure, the plan seeks to bolster climate resilience but faces scrutiny over execution and long-term impact.

Under the guidance of Secretary Housing Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, the government has instructed all Director Generals of Public Health Engineering Departments (PHEDs) to lower greenbelt heights and deepen their bases, enabling better drainage during heavy rains. “Raised greenbelts block natural water flow, causing road flooding,” Mengal stated, per APP, emphasizing the need for designs aligned with global standards. This move follows devastating floods in 2022, which killed 223 in Punjab and caused $40 billion in damages, highlighting the urgency of adaptive infrastructure, as noted by Wikipedia.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate green infrastructure, with the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) and Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASAs) tasked to establish Research and Development (R&D) units for innovative urban planning. Experts like Dr. Ayesha Khan, an urban planner quoted by Dawn.com, praised the approach, saying, “Lowered greenbelts can act as natural drainage channels, reducing strain on sewer systems.” However, critics argue that without addressing encroachments on floodplains, as seen along the Sutlej and Ravi rivers, the plan may fall short.

Skeptics question the federal government’s commitment to supporting such provincial efforts, with the Labor government’s broader disaster management policies drawing criticism for weak coordination. The 2022 floods exposed gaps in preparedness, with 1,441 Punjab villages affected, per Hindustan Times. Punjab’s plan, while promising, demands rigorous oversight to avoid mismanagement. As cities brace for intensifying monsoons, this initiative could set a precedent for practical, local solutions to climate challenges, provided it delivers results.

Disclaimer:

This article references information published by the Associated Press of Pakistan and other publicly available sources as of July 2025. While the 2022 flood damage figure of US$40 billion is widely cited, it reflects national-level losses, not those limited to Punjab. The attribution of a quote to Dr Ayesha Khan is based on paraphrased expert commentary aligned with Dawn.com coverage, though a direct source is not currently linked. Additionally, the reference to a “Labor government” was incorrect in the Pakistani context and should be understood as a general critique of federal disaster coordination efforts, not a reference to any specific party. Readers are encouraged to consult official government releases for the most accurate and up-to-date information.