Promoting horticulture: CM approves construction of three forest parks in Lahore

Says a steering committee shall be formed to promote horticulture in the province

LAHORE:

A strategy has been evolved for the promotion of plantation and horticulture in the province, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday. He was presiding over a meeting to review steps to be taken in this regard.

It was decided during the meeting to construct forest parks at three sites in Lahore. One of the parks will be established at Raiwind and two in Jallo area.



Shahbaz Sharif said that development projects should not neglect the horticulture component. “Horticulture enhances the beauty of the cities. The work for improving recreational facilities and rehabilitation of parks should be accelerated,” he said. He said that a steering committee should be constituted for the promotion of plantation. “The committee should ensure timely completion of projects relating to horticulture, plantation, landscaping and rehabilitation of parks,” he said.

The chief minister said that the government would also develop parks on railway lands. “Looking after these parks will be the responsibility of railway authorities,” he said.

He said that action should be taken against encroachments on public parks. “A comprehensive plan should be formulated for removing encroachments permanently,” he said. He directed the officials concerned to implement relevant laws for ensuring provision of facilities at new housing schemes. “A comprehensive plan to set up picnic points and promotion of horticulture from Dharampura to Wagha Border should be formulated and submitted in two weeks,” he said.

He said that work should be expedited for making walls and surroundings of flyovers and underpasses more attractive. “The process of beautification of metro bus route, stations and bridges should be accelerated. Modern technology should be utilised for the promotion of horticulture, plantation of trees and rehabilitation of parks,” he said.



Shahbaz commended the Lahore DCO’s initiative for rehabilitation and renovation of underpasses from Dharampura to Thokar Niaz Baig. The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) director general and the DCO briefed the meeting about steps taken for rehabilitation of parks, plantation of trees and promoting horticulture.

Corps commander

Lahore Corps Commander Lt Gen Sadiq Ali met the CM on Saturday.

Steps taken under the national action plan for elimination of terrorism were discussed. The chief minister and the corps commander paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of Army Public School Peshawar students.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2015.