At a public hearing for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) sought the revision of environmental management plan (EMP) of Aiwan-e-Sayyahat Complex building. The project contractor was also directed to furnish fresh estimates, as the earlier ones were found incompatible and incomplete.

Deputy Director of Laboratories and National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) Dr Mohsina Zubair presided over the hearing along with PTD Managing Director Aftab Ur Rehman Rana and senior engineers of the National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK).

The Public Works Department and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) are executing the Aiwan-e-Sayyahat through private investment under the Public Private Partnership on build, operate and transfer basis.

Dr Mohsina told the officials to revise the environmental management plan and give clear estimates for protection and mitigation measures. Dr Mohsina said that the suggestions and queries would be followed. She said that the budget was very low for the testing of air, water, soil and other parameters which should also be revised. She was not happy at the Environment Directorate of the Capital Development Authority that was not present at the public hearings of EIA Reports despite notices from EPA.

NESPAK consultant Ramla Siddique briefed the project's EIA report that the project will provide an independent PTDC office at an area of 12.48 kanals land. The project proponent has proposed a most modern infrastructure for the complex with a glass facade of Low E glass and windows using proper insulation. The Complex building was 120 feet high with a parking capacity of 300 vehicles that would be constructed in 36 months at a cost of Rs 4.43 billion.

Managing Director of the PTDC Aftab Ur Rehman Rana said the project of Aiwan-e-Sayyahat would facilitate all tourism promotional activities and deliver benefits to PTDC head office and offices of tourism association as well as airlines under one roof. The complex will have two basements, ground floor and seven storeys, whereas the authorities concerned would ensure use of eco-friendly techniques including energy efficient, water efficient and rain water harvesting infrastructure to conserve water.

He said that the PTDC’s important role after that was to collaborate with the provincial departments and international and regional tourism bodies in promoting Pakistan as a tourist destination. "It will create a centre of gravity to promote tourism and recreation and attract investment through enhanced facilitation. However, the PC -I has been prepared after Planning Ministry's approval," he said. The project will create resources for PTDC through rental income and have a dedicated building for its permanent office.

"The first two floors will have Aiwan-e-Sayyahat offices and the rest will be commercial offices. It will be a model project due to its services and eco-friendly practices," he said. The rental income, he said, would help finance promotional activities whereas the government was seriously focused on strengthening the tourism sector.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk