LAHORE, June 2025 — A bold new public transport initiative—the Yellow Line Metro—is slated to run from Thokar to Harbanspura Lahore along Canal Road. But its progress is sparking concern: nearly 1,400 mature trees, forming a vital green corridor, face removal to clear a path for construction. Civil society and environmental advocates are sounding the alarm that this may severely damage Lahore’s ecological balance.
1,400 Trees at Risk — Where’s the Audit?
As Raazia Arif highlights, these trees serve as Lahore’s “oxygen source and ecological buffer,” yet their felling is moving ahead despite what appears to be no transparent environmental approval process. Historically, similar projects—like the widening of Canal Road and the Orange Line Metro—led to 620 trees cut down without follow-up compensatory planting. Critics argue that past promises, such as replacing felled trees with ten new saplings, weren’t fulfilled. Moreover, environmental protections under the Lahore Canal Heritage Park Act (2013) have previously halted tree-felling projects until rigorous environmental assessments were provided.
Legal and Civic Response
Previous interventions by the Lahore High Court—such as halting tree-cutting for e-bus depots and transmission lines—demonstrate legal backing for protecting the Canal’s heritage. Yet the current Yellow Line plan seems to be advancing without similarly transparent oversight. Environmental oversight bodies like the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency have been repeatedly called to respond in past petitions, but full public disclosure still appears unmet.
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Broader Eco & Urban Implications
Analysts warn that felling 1,400 mature trees diminishes green cover, elevates pollution, and destabilizes local biodiversity. The canal’s green belt supports bird life, cools the microclimate, and acts as a carbon sink—a role documented since the Canal was declared a protected area by the Supreme Court . With Lahore among the world’s most polluted cities, experts underscore that solutions lie in sustainable transport—not removing city greenery.
Voices Urge Reconsideration
“Development must no longer come at the cost of Lahore’s natural heritage,” argues Raazia Arif. She urges authorities to explore alternatives—elevated tracks, narrower rights-of-way, or rerouting the metro—to preserve mature trees. Historic precedents show courts can intervene when environmental laws are overlooked .
What’s Next?
Citizens, activists, and legal groups are now calling for:
- A public environmental impact assessment.
- Full disclosure of environmental permissions and NOC status.
- Exploration of greener engineering solutions that protect Canal Road trees.
- Engagement of civil society in project planning.
As the Yellow Line moves toward its September 2025 planned start, these voices may shape whether Lahore’s ‘lungs’ remain intact—or are lost for good.
Mrs. Raazia Arif’s take on this controversial project:
I am reaching out with a serious concern regarding the planned construction of a new Metro line in Lahore, which is proposed to run along the Canal Road from Thokar to Harbanspura.(yellow line) The most alarming aspect of this project is that nearly 1,400 mature trees along the canal are set to be cut down to make space for it. This is a devastating blow to one of Lahore’s most vital green corridors—an essential oxygen source and ecological buffer for the city.
What’s even more troubling is that the project appears to be nearing the construction stage, despite the lack of transparency around environmental approvals. It’s unclear how this plan is receiving clearance from the environment department and other regulatory bodies. While citizens are being asked to get their vehicles attested for environmental compliance, the government itself seems to be turning a blind eye to this large-scale environmental destruction.
I urgently request you to use your platforms to raise awareness. If enough voices speak up, perhaps we can still influence the authorities to reconsider or adopt a more sustainable alternative. Our collective effort might be the only way to protect what remains of Lahore’s natural heritage.
News Lead By Raazia Arif
