Government approves seven new uplift projects worth Rs 1.5b for DG Khan

Due to the current flood calamity, the urban infrastructure has been badly damaged and washed away roads, crops, infrastructure, and bridges. Flooding disconnects the telecommunication services in some parts of Pakistan. This natural calamity has destroyed 5,000 km of road and 243 bridges. In addition, many under-construction dams have been damaged. Conclusively, urban planning experts stated that the urban development of the country has been adversely impacted due to the calamity.                                                                                                           

To improve the country’s urban development, the Divisional Development Working Party (DDWP) has decided to start seven new uplift schemes for Dera Ghazi Khan Division. The estimated cost of the uplift projects is around Rs 1.5 billion. These seven projects include two for DG Khan, three for Muzaffargarh, and two for Layyah. Besides this, the government has also ordered to accelerate the pace of work in four districts of the DG Khan division including Rajanpur, DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, and Layyah. The authorities have also ordered the construction of roads that were damaged due to floods to restore the traffic soon. Also, the government has directed the concerned authorities to accelerate the work on the ongoing 433 projects during the current financial year.

For developing countries like Pakistan, urban development is linked to the economic growth and progress of the country. Urban development is a significant step towards establishing a sustainable society. A well-planned urban settlement provides a solid framework for growth and positively impacts the economy. Considering urban development in economic growth, the government needs to focus on economic policymaking for sustainable urbanisation. Promoting uplift schemes for the development of districts will prove to be helpful in making cities economically viable. However, the government is tirelessly working to mitigate the disastrous impacts of floods either by providing financial relief or promoting development schemes. Nonetheless, the authorities also need to develop a long-term strategic plan to make cities resilient to such natural calamities.