Hazardous Buildings in Lahore are once again under the spotlight as the city braces for another intense monsoon season. In a proactive move, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has kicked off a detailed survey to assess old, fragile structures across Androon Lahore, where some buildings have stood for centuries but now show worrying signs of decay.
Just days ago, a house roof collapsed in Railway Colony following relentless rainfall. It’s a chilling reminder that time and water can be a deadly mix.
This isn’t just a routine inspection. The WCLA’s annual campaign carries an unusual sense of urgency this year. With aging foundations, illegal construction, and relentless rain threatening to turn history into rubble, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
WCLA’s Director General, Maleeha Rashid, emphasized the emotional and cultural weight of the task. “The heritage of Androon Lahore isn’t just architecture—it’s our living identity,” she said. “Preserving it is a duty we owe future generations.”
To tackle the crisis effectively, WCLA is blending boots-on-the-ground inspections with high-tech digital mapping. This hybrid approach helps teams quickly pinpoint vulnerabilities and flag hazardous buildings in Lahore that pose immediate threats.
The inspection teams are targeting areas packed with architectural treasures and residential risk—places like Mochi Gate, Garhi Shahu, Ravi Road, and Fleming Road. According to 2024 data, more than 1,300 buildings in the Walled City are in poor condition. Out of these, 400 are slated for demolition, while 20 are marked as extremely dangerous.
Yet, many of these buildings remain occupied.
Despite repeated warnings, residents stay put, often due to financial hardship or a lack of relocation options. “Where will we go?” one local asked, staring up at the cracks running down her ancestral home.
Recognizing the urgency, WCLA has formed a dedicated monitoring committee to enforce safety and heritage laws. This team, led by experienced officials including Nosheen Zaidi and Ali Islam Gill, is cracking down on illegal demolitions, unapproved basements, and unsafe constructions within protected areas.
But the danger isn’t limited to the Walled City. A separate district-level survey found 96 dangerously dilapidated buildings scattered across Lahore. Some were only partially demolished, leaving unstable walls and ceilings still inhabited.
The looming threat of above-average rainfall has added more pressure. Every delay increases the risk of collapse, injury, or even death.
Authorities stress that this initiative isn’t just about preserving history—it’s about protecting lives. Hazardous buildings in Lahore are a ticking time bomb, and unless swift, coordinated action is taken, the consequences could be both tragic and irreversible.
In the face of danger, WCLA’s campaign brings a ray of hope, balancing the delicate act of saving lives while safeguarding Lahore’s historic soul.
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