Economic development in Pakistan has rapidly grown and become positive in the last few years. Pakistan is rich in cultural heritage, and with the maximum growth of the population, the need for infrastructure development is strikingly expanding, making the balance between economic development and environmental conservation the need for time to increase urban planning.
Sustainable Development is essential for Pakistan. Once the economic expansion increases, so do the cities and industries thrive, bringing in the delicate equilibrium between preservation and progress, increasing vitally. Realtors, organizations, and businesses are trying to figure out the intricacies and analyze the various challenges, strategies, and aspects associated with sustainable urban development in Pakistan.
The pivotal junction of the high population is the urban boom in Pakistan, which is happening rapidly and non-stop. This relentless expansion has come with its profound transformation in the lives of millions residing in the country.
Sustainable Development & Growth in Pakistan
As per the statistics, by 2030, more than half of the population will shift to urban cities. It will definitely put immense pressure on the available facilities within the metropolitan cities. It will give rise to the significant irreversible factors leading to the need for more economic opportunities, educational institutes, and a higher standard of living.
Apart from transformation, it has some challenges to look forward to and get ready with strategies to cater to the issues as they will burden the resources and infrastructure. The approaches need to be effective and sustainable to fit the challenging scenario.
The cities are supposed to be the engines to serve and target the progress if the city is well-developed and planned so the ecological integrity of the nation.
Difficulties and Stressors Deterioration of the Environment
Property development in Pakistan and the rest of the world has some basic implications for its effectiveness. The difficulties and stressors will further deteriorate the environment once they expand, along with advantageous favorable conditions.
The expansion of the cities needs to be well-planned so that it can bear the brunt of the growth. Such inclusive pointers are deforestation, air and water pollution, and soil erosion, which will need maintenance and permanent solutions.
As time passes, these concerns will become hurdles in the city’s economic and environmental growth. Those factors that will have a negative impact are discussed below.
Resource Scarcity
The increased urbanization will impact the scarce resources under pressure. It will be too challenging to equally make the availability of resources like water, energy, sanitation, and land to the pouring of vast population into thin structures of the city. It will lead to long-term inequality, scarcity, and safety tension.
Climate Change
The climate of Pakistan is depleting day by day as it is vulnerable to the changes happening globally. The country must figure out solutions to the uncertain conditions due to excessive climatic changes.
Loss of Biodiversity
The natural habitats have space in the natural environment. Suppose the environment is affected by removing and cutting trees, so they will start leaving the place and be destroyed. It will bring loss of biodiversity and ecological imbalance.
The Economic Imperative
The balance between economic development and the environment is essential for progress. A sustainable environment brings fundamental long-term economic growth.
Tourism Potential
Tourism preservation is a basic need of today. Preserving cultural heritage, the natural environment, and historical sites will boost tourism, creating jobs and revenues.
Green Technologies
If innovation and economic growth are needed, industries need to encourage the adaptation of green technologies as it will reduce their environmental footprints.
Resource Efficiency
The costs could be managed and efficiently handled if the resources are maintained well, leading to economic savings.
Balancing of Economic Development and Environmental Conservation
Urban planning must be done effectively as it is an integral part of environmental conservation and development. It includes sustainable transportation and energy-efficient buildings in the urban fabric. Some other factors that will be necessary for the product are mentioned below.
- Regulations and Incentives.
- Preserve natural areas.
- Integrated planning.
- Public Transport.
- Smart Growth.
