Implications of Transport Improvement Projects on Land Use: Some Examples From Karachi By Dr Noman Ahmed Professor and Chairman Department of Architecture and Planning NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi 1

1. Relationship Land and space use Benefit to people Transportation and mobility 2

2. What is in the sequence? Story of human settlements by public and private initiatives Squatter settlements, unapproved land subdivisions and peri-urban hutments A. Land  People  Transport B. People  Land  Transport (and other services) 3

Real estate development, land sales schemes and high end neighbourhoods C. Transport  Land  People 4

3. Context of Karachi – Some Important Facts Primate city – contributes 15% of GDP; accounts for 32% national industrial base; 25% federal revenue and 62% of income taxPrimate city – contributes 15% of GDP; accounts for 32% national industrial base; 25% federal revenue and 62% of income tax 5

Half of the population live in abject povertyHalf of the population live in abject poverty Faces multiple issues and complex issues in mobilityFaces multiple issues and complex issues in mobility 6

7

4. Who plans for Karachi and executes projects? Anyone and everyone! Today, urban and regional planning function is supervised by Sindh Building Control Authority – it is a case of putting a cart before a horse!Anyone and everyone! Today, urban and regional planning function is supervised by Sindh Building Control Authority – it is a case of putting a cart before a horse! 8

All master plans strongly recommended the creation and capacity building of an independent planning agency since four decades! No headway experienced till now.All master plans strongly recommended the creation and capacity building of an independent planning agency since four decades! No headway experienced till now. Transportation is one of the functions of urban and regional planning – it can not be viewed in isolation from land use!Transportation is one of the functions of urban and regional planning – it can not be viewed in isolation from land use! 9

5. What results? Isolated projects, schemes and interventions that cause limited benefits and intense adverse impacts on the land and life of people. 10

5.1 Lyari Expressway A project introduced, without the sanction of previous master plans, generated wide spread outcomes on land use and conduct of people 11

a. Background Northern and Southern Bypasses were proposed by the Karachi Master Plan 1973 to enable all port related traffic to bypass the city.Northern and Southern Bypasses were proposed by the Karachi Master Plan 1973 to enable all port related traffic to bypass the city. The Southern Bypass could not be built because of opposition from the DHA which was concerned about the environmental pollution that the Expressway would cause.The Southern Bypass could not be built because of opposition from the DHA which was concerned about the environmental pollution that the Expressway would cause. 12

The Northern Bypass was not begun till 2001 because of a lack of political will.The Northern Bypass was not begun till 2001 because of a lack of political will. A group of citizens and professionals floated the idea of Lyari Expressway in 1986 as an alternative to Northern BypassA group of citizens and professionals floated the idea of Lyari Expressway in 1986 as an alternative to Northern Bypass 13

In July-August 1993 heavy rains flooded the Lyari River and Malir River. As a result, Lyari Expressway was thought of as a solution for flood protection and also generating funds through a toll for cost recovery.In July-August 1993 heavy rains flooded the Lyari River and Malir River. As a result, Lyari Expressway was thought of as a solution for flood protection and also generating funds through a toll for cost recovery. 14

CIDA, which initially agreed for financial support, backed out due to voicing of citizens' concernsCIDA, which initially agreed for financial support, backed out due to voicing of citizens' concerns 15

Citizens, NGO and community opposition to the project led to public hearings arranged by the senior minister of the Sindh government in 1996.Citizens, NGO and community opposition to the project led to public hearings arranged by the senior minister of the Sindh government in As a result of the hearings, it was decided to build the Northern Bypass and not the Lyari Expressway.As a result of the hearings, it was decided to build the Northern Bypass and not the Lyari Expressway. 16

In 2000 the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) finalized the proposal for building the Northern Bypass on BOT basis.In 2000 the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) finalized the proposal for building the Northern Bypass on BOT basis. The KNBP was a six lane highway of 68 km and joined Super Highway beyond Toll PlazaThe KNBP was a six lane highway of 68 km and joined Super Highway beyond Toll Plaza 17

In June 2001 the military government decided to build both the Northern Bypass and the Lyari Expressway within the Northern Bypass budget.In June 2001 the military government decided to build both the Northern Bypass and the Lyari Expressway within the Northern Bypass budget. To make this possible, the Bypass alignment was changed and reduced in length. It now joins the Super Highway just beyond Sohrab Goth. Its six lanes were reduced to four.To make this possible, the Bypass alignment was changed and reduced in length. It now joins the Super Highway just beyond Sohrab Goth. Its six lanes were reduced to four. 18

National Highway Authority was entrusted with the construction of the Expressway and Rs 5.1 billion were allocated for this construction.National Highway Authority was entrusted with the construction of the Expressway and Rs 5.1 billion were allocated for this construction. 19

Lyari expressway was proposed as a 16.5 kilometres long three-lane road along both banks of the Lyari River, starting from Mauripur and ending at Sohrab Goth.Lyari expressway was proposed as a 16.5 kilometres long three-lane road along both banks of the Lyari River, starting from Mauripur and ending at Sohrab Goth. Easing traffic flow within the city, streamlining land use along its Row and moving people from flood zone to safer locations were its objectivesEasing traffic flow within the city, streamlining land use along its Row and moving people from flood zone to safer locations were its objectives b. Lyari Expressway Proposal

Former Nazim reviewing the projectFormer Nazim reviewing the project 21

The area between M.A. Jinnah Road (to the South of the Lyari River) and Estate Avenue (to the North of the Lyari River) consists of the most congested and environmentally polluted settlements of Karachi.The area between M.A. Jinnah Road (to the South of the Lyari River) and Estate Avenue (to the North of the Lyari River) consists of the most congested and environmentally polluted settlements of Karachi. This area originally contained Karachi’s wholesale markets and small scale manufacturing along with residential areas.This area originally contained Karachi’s wholesale markets and small scale manufacturing along with residential areas. 22 c. LEW and Land Use Issues

23

Over the years these markets and manufacturing units have expanded to occupy almost the entire area. In addition, garbage recycling units have developed and continue to expand.Over the years these markets and manufacturing units have expanded to occupy almost the entire area. In addition, garbage recycling units have developed and continue to expand. 24

Manufacturing and wholesaling has led to the creation of huge storage areas required for these activities, a transport related services sector and informal cargo terminals. This has further congested and polluted the area.Manufacturing and wholesaling has led to the creation of huge storage areas required for these activities, a transport related services sector and informal cargo terminals. This has further congested and polluted the area. 25

26

Due to a lack of alternatives the garbage recycling and sorting activity has spilled onto the Lyari bed and banks and people working in this activity have started residing here.Due to a lack of alternatives the garbage recycling and sorting activity has spilled onto the Lyari bed and banks and people working in this activity have started residing here. 27

The main wholesaling activity is related to the Dhan Mandi, Chemical Market and Metal Market. Since they have no space for warehousing left, they are finding warehousing space in various katchi abadis. This has added to the city’s environmental, social and traffic related problems.The main wholesaling activity is related to the Dhan Mandi, Chemical Market and Metal Market. Since they have no space for warehousing left, they are finding warehousing space in various katchi abadis. This has added to the city’s environmental, social and traffic related problems. 28

Because of the warehousing and transport activities the population of this area has severe health problems. Few years ago, six children died because of leakage from the chemicals stored at the Chemical Market.Because of the warehousing and transport activities the population of this area has severe health problems. Few years ago, six children died because of leakage from the chemicals stored at the Chemical Market. 29

Residents of the Lyari and trans- Lyari settlements have constantly asked various governments to shift manufacturing and warehousing from their areas. This will remove the transport activities as well. The spaces vacated by these activities can provide space for badly needed amenities in the congested settlements.Residents of the Lyari and trans- Lyari settlements have constantly asked various governments to shift manufacturing and warehousing from their areas. This will remove the transport activities as well. The spaces vacated by these activities can provide space for badly needed amenities in the congested settlements. 30

Between Lyari River and M.A. Jinnah Road Karachi’s built heritage is located. It is fast disappearing and being replaced by illegally built warehousing and run down worker’s accommodation.Between Lyari River and M.A. Jinnah Road Karachi’s built heritage is located. It is fast disappearing and being replaced by illegally built warehousing and run down worker’s accommodation. 31

The Lyari Expressway did not promise to address these issues. On the contrary the manufacturing units, businesses and houses demolished by it have found alternative space in the already congested inner city.The Lyari Expressway did not promise to address these issues. On the contrary the manufacturing units, businesses and houses demolished by it have found alternative space in the already congested inner city. 32

d. City Level Planning Issues The Expressway project was not a part of a larger city planning exercise. There were cheaper and better methods of easing traffic flow in Karachi that have been proposed repeatedly by the erstwhile Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) and professionals.The Expressway project was not a part of a larger city planning exercise. There were cheaper and better methods of easing traffic flow in Karachi that have been proposed repeatedly by the erstwhile Traffic Engineering Bureau (TEB) and professionals. 33

Less than half of the affectees were living in the riverbed or in areas prone to flooding.Less than half of the affectees were living in the riverbed or in areas prone to flooding. The building of an Expressway was not required to provide protection to them or for the process of relocating them.The building of an Expressway was not required to provide protection to them or for the process of relocating them. 34

The building of the Expressway did not solve the major environmental problems of the city or of the areas it passes through.The building of the Expressway did not solve the major environmental problems of the city or of the areas it passes through. 35

e. Destruction of Homes and Businesses Less than half of the affected housing units were in the flood zone or in the riverbed.Less than half of the affected housing units were in the flood zone or in the riverbed. According to independent, studies, the following demolitions took place.According to independent, studies, the following demolitions took place. 1. Housing units 25, Commercial and manufacturing units 1, Mosques, churches, graveyards, temples 58 36

The schooling of 26,000 students was discontinued and about 40,000 wage earners lost their jobs. Almost all these persons worked in the neighborhood wholesale markets and manufacturing units.The schooling of 26,000 students was discontinued and about 40,000 wage earners lost their jobs. Almost all these persons worked in the neighborhood wholesale markets and manufacturing units. 37

Residents and local government had invested Rs 5 billion in building homes, schools, social sector facilities, acquiring infrastructure connections (water, electricity, telephone, gas). All this was demolished in an age of recession, unemployment and inflation.Residents and local government had invested Rs 5 billion in building homes, schools, social sector facilities, acquiring infrastructure connections (water, electricity, telephone, gas). All this was demolished in an age of recession, unemployment and inflation. 38

f. Resettlement Plan was flawed The resettlement plan did not differentiate between old villages, leased settlements and informal occupation of land for residential purposes. The resettlement plan did not differentiate between old villages, leased settlements and informal occupation of land for residential purposes. 39

The commercial and manufacturing units that provided direct employment to about 40,000 wage earners were demolished without compensation or support for relocation.The commercial and manufacturing units that provided direct employment to about 40,000 wage earners were demolished without compensation or support for relocation. 40

The persons working in these units were displaced and offered 80 square yards plots in locations far from their places of existing and potential work.The persons working in these units were displaced and offered 80 square yards plots in locations far from their places of existing and potential work. 41

There is no social and physical infrastructure at the relocation sites and no employment either.There is no social and physical infrastructure at the relocation sites and no employment either. Rs 50,000 compensation is simply not enough to build a home. This money is consumed in transportation and in hiring a place to survive between demolition and considering the construction of a house in the relocation settlement.Rs 50,000 compensation is simply not enough to build a home. This money is consumed in transportation and in hiring a place to survive between demolition and considering the construction of a house in the relocation settlement. 42

5.2 Commercialization Policy Along Major Roads To harness the potential generated due to intense utilization of major streets, these corridors of movement were targeted for a revised floor area ratio. It began in 2002 and is being constantly pursued. Streets increased from 06 to 46 as of now. 43

Shahra-e-Faisal 44

Shahra-e-Qauedeen 45

Tariq Road 46

Khalid Bin Waleed Road 47

6. Lessons learned and way forward Transport improvement must be done as part of an integrated city planning exercise. Past example of Karachi Development Plans of and are examplesTransport improvement must be done as part of an integrated city planning exercise. Past example of Karachi Development Plans of and are examples 48

Benefits and adverse impacts on people must be weighed before initiating plans and projectsBenefits and adverse impacts on people must be weighed before initiating plans and projects A comprehensive land use analysis must be done for major transportation schemes, including the BRJA comprehensive land use analysis must be done for major transportation schemes, including the BRJ 49

Karachi needs an all powerful and well provided planning agencyKarachi needs an all powerful and well provided planning agency 50