Assessment of the CPEC Western Road Project in the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of the region

Abstract

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) involves various projects for the socio-economic development between China and Pakistan. This study determined the fundamental dimensions of sustainability, i.e., socio-economic opportunities and environmental impacts, with the development of the CPEC road project from Rehmani Khel to Kot Balian Package-2A. The primary data was collected through a survey method, while the secondary data was obtained through retrospective analysis. Statistical analyses, i.e., ANOVA, Chi-square, correlation, gamma, and factor analysis, were applied to testing variables. The study indicated that health services, education facilities, foreign direct investment (FDI), high income, and employment opportunities are positively associated with the CPEC road project, whereas negative impacts include environmental degradation, i.e., CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and agricultural land loss, which have not been identified by previous researchers. Statistical analysis showed a significant and positive relationship between social-economic and environmental variables, while some of the variables perceived an insignificant relationship with the support of the CPEC road project. This study will contribute to the sustainability literature and provide a comprehensive analysis for stakeholders and officials to design a framework of precautionary measures to minimize the environmental impacts and promote the sustainability of road projects.

From Silk Road to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): A Comprehensive Analysis of Economic, Geopolitical, Socio-cultural and Environmental Landscapes of Pakistan

“…Gwadar Port is expected to become a key transshipment hub for trade between China, Pakistan, and other countries in the region. Under the CPEC framework, the development of Gwadar Port includes the construction of berths, harbor facilities, and improved road and rail connectivity (Saqib, Saeed, Ashraf, & Saqib, 2023). This development aims to enhance the port's capacity to handle large volumes of cargo, making it a vital node in global trade routes.…”

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of CPEC road project by following EIA index approach for sustainability

“…EIA reports of CPEC road projects are according to the legislation, but for other projects in Pakistan, i.e., construction, energy, roads, infrastructure, hotels, and industries, it is also necessary to develop according to the environmental laws to avoid the post-construction environmental impacts of projects. Environmental lawyers, courts, and tribunals can play a vital role in the enforcement of environmental legislation, i.e., PEPA 1997, NEQs, Climate Act, and other necessary ordinances to preserve environment (Saqib et al, 2023).…”

“…From the perspective of the sustainability of construction projects, major research was carried out to conclude the sustainable development goals to ensure sustainability and suggest mitigation measures (Eales & Sheate, 2011;Mura et al, 2018). CPEC road project may have various socioeconomic opportunities, while also has various environmental consequences, i.e., CO2 emissions, agricultural land loss, biodiversity loss, and deforestation (Iarocci et al, 2019;Karlson et al, 2014;Saqib et al, 2023). Environmental sustainability of road projects is crucial to carry out the negative environmental impacts of mega projects and ensure long-term benefits (Makhdoom et al, 2018;Saqib et al, 2023).…”

“…CPEC road project may have various socioeconomic opportunities, while also has various environmental consequences, i.e., CO2 emissions, agricultural land loss, biodiversity loss, and deforestation (Iarocci et al, 2019;Karlson et al, 2014;Saqib et al, 2023). Environmental sustainability of road projects is crucial to carry out the negative environmental impacts of mega projects and ensure long-term benefits (Makhdoom et al, 2018;Saqib et al, 2023). Road development projects are major sources of CO2 emissions, biodiversity loss, water pollution, agricultural land loss, and soil pollution (Iarocci et al, 2019;Saqib et al, 2022;Zhang et al, 2013).…”

“…Deforestation and melting of glaciers may also cause harmful impacts on the natural environment (Jaafari et al, 2015;Lamorgese & Geneletti, 2013;Yang et al, 2015). The gradual increase in transportation may cause CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollution (Nabi et al, 2017;Saqib et al, 2023). To assess environmental performance, many systematic and widespread methods have been used, i.e., multi-criteria modeling and metadata analysis (Pirrone et al, 2005).…”