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Ravi River Floodplain Vanishing Under Lahore's Urban Sprawl
4 Jul
Summary
- Urban growth has rapidly expanded into the Ravi River's natural floodplain.
- Satellite images from 1990 and 2025 show significant encroachment.
- Suparco warns this reduces the river's capacity to absorb floodwaters.
Comparison of satellite images from 1990 and 2025 starkly illustrates Lahore's extensive urban growth into the Ravi River's natural floodplain. This encroachment has diminished the land's capacity to manage floodwaters, according to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
Suparco's analysis shows settlements and infrastructure spreading aggressively, reducing the floodplain's ability to absorb excess water during extreme weather. This heightens Lahore's flood risk, with waters now more likely to overtop banks and cause severe damage.
Experts stress the critical need for detailed hydrological studies before further urban or agricultural expansion into these sensitive areas. While the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) claims protective measures are in place, concerns remain about unregulated development.
Historically, Pakistan received flood warnings from India under the Indus Waters Treaty, but this communication ceased in 2025. This absence of advance warning exacerbates flood preparedness challenges for Lahore.
