Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has organized a daylong exclusive media and knowledge workshop of independent journalists, digital creators and influencers to observe development of a future inclusive city – the Ravi City. Through comprehensive efforts and innovative projects, the authority is also trying to restore the River Ravi to its former glory to ensure a sustainable future for Lahore, according to officials.
As per the schedule, Chief Executive Officer Imran Amin was scheduled to brief the young media professionals about projects, success stories, and future plans and strategies of the Ravi Urban Development Authority, but he has some ‘unscheduled’ meetings inside and outside of the head office, located at the Abu Bakar Block in Lahore’s Garden Town. Sharing details of the ongoing projects, RUDA’s Public Relations, Communications, and Climate Change Director Abid Latif informed the visiting professionals that the Ravi City would be an inclusive space designed to welcome, respect, and provide equal access for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.
“We believe that (the) Ravi City will be a master-planned modern community and a smart urban project that is designed to combine essential utilities with advanced but future-ready amenities,” he said, adding that their project relies on planned river channelization, a series of barrages, and water recycling infrastructure to manage supplies and mitigate flood risks. “Ravi City will be considered an example of good urban design when it balances sustainable living, human-centered spaces, and smart technology,” said Abid Latif, a retired military officer who plays key role in shaping narrative and engagement of the authority with stakeholders.
RUDA’s Climate Change & Carbon Credits Director Ahad Yousaf Khan, Deputy Director for Climate Change, Green Finance, and Carbon Credits Alishba Fatima Tajwar, Deputy Director Ahsan Ali, Assistant Director Aqib Javaid, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Executive Momina Iqbal also presented diverse project insights and fielded questions from the young media professionals. During the Q&A session, Ahad Yousaf shared details about RUDA’s initiatives in carbon markets with a particular focus on various dumpsite rehabilitation projects. She highlighted the project’s environmental significance, methane emission reduction strategy, carbon credit generation potential, and its contribution towards sustainable urban development and climate action.
“We envision a thriving urban sanctuary along the River Ravi, where sustainable development, cultural richness, and economic prosperity unites,” Abid Latif said while briefing the participants. “Our vision is to cultivate a dynamic cityscape that embraces its heritage, providing a unique and fulfilling life experience for all,” he said. During the field trip, the media persons visited the authority’s development sites, including the flagship Chahar Bagh, where they were briefed on the Ravi River vision, and the climate resilience besides embankments along both sides of the river. To questions, officials said the RUDA-approved societies have been developed in the fastest growing areas, including the Ravi City.
The officials also briefed the visitors on the progress on key facilities, including a medical facility, educational facilities, roadworks, and drainage systems. It is pertinent to mention here that the new media persons are independent digital creators, podcasters, and social-first journalists who build self-regulating channels on video-sharing platforms or web-based newspapers to capture primary viewer attention away from conventional networks. With independent newsrooms, all new media persons own their audience relationships instead of relying on network gatekeepers.
