346 Walled City Buildings Declared “Dangerous” Ahead of Basant

LAHORE — The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has submitted a comprehensive safety report to the Lahore High Court (LHC), identifying 346 buildings in the historic district as structurally unstable. The survey was conducted in preparation for the Basant festival, scheduled to be celebrated in Lahore from February 6 to 8, 2026, after a nearly 20-year hiatus.

Survey Findings

The report, presented before Justice Malik Awais Khalid, breaks down the risk levels for buildings and residents:

• Total Dangerous Buildings: 346
• Irreparable (Beyond Repair): 183 (of these, 103 are still occupied).
• Repairable: 163 (151 are currently occupied).
• Vacation Status: Only 92 buildings have been vacated so far, while 254 remain occupied despite being declared unsafe.
• Rooftop Safety: WCLA warned that the rooftops of all 346 identified buildings are unfit for kite-flying activities.

Safety Measures & Basant Restrictions

To prevent a repeat of the structural collapses or string-related fatalities that led to the original 2005 ban, the Punjab government and district administration have implemented a strict Safety Plan:

1. Rooftop Ban: The district administration has been requested to seal the rooftops of all dangerous and dilapidated buildings.
2. Motorcycle Safety: Over 1 million free safety rods are being distributed to motorcyclists to prevent throat-slashing injuries from stray strings.
3. No “Politicized” Kites: Under Section 144, the government has banned kites featuring political figures, national flags, or religious symbols to prevent unrest.
4. String Regulations: Only cotton string (9-thread) is permitted. Metallic, nylon, and chemical-coated strings remain strictly prohibited, carrying fines of up to Rs 5 million.

The Red Zone, Walled City of Lahore

Authorities have categorized the city into three zones to manage risk during the three-day festival:

• Red Zone: The Walled City and high-density areas (highest risk/strictest enforcement).
• Yellow Zone: Areas like Harbanspura (moderate risk).
• Green Zone: Low-density areas with minimal risk.

The Legal Stance

While the Kite Manufacturing Association argues that Basant is a cultural heritage festival that shouldn’t be “politicized,” the court remains focused on human safety. Justice Khalid has directed all relevant departments—including LESCO and the Lahore DC—to ensure that power lines are secured and that no “life-threatening materials” are used.

Basant 2026: Official Dates & Rules

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