IMC to extend Kachnar Park

Jogging track to be expanded, additional benches, better lighting will be installed

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation has planned to further extend the Kachnar Park in Sector I-8.

The expansion will cost an estimated Rs9.52 million.

In this regard, the Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation (IMC) has issued a tender and arrangements are being made to start work on the extension as soon as codal formalities are completed.

Under the extension plan, a jogging track in the park would be extended by 3,200 feet (0.97 kilometres). Moreover, additional footpaths would be built, benches and dustbins would be installed, and proper lighting system would be provided apart from erecting a fence, maintenance of its washrooms and installation of a modern canopy to facilitate visitors.

Islamabad Mayor and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz chaired a meeting at the CDA Headquarters on Monday to review the extension proposal.

The meeting reviewed the new initiatives taken by IMC’s Environment Wing to improve the overall environment of the city in general, and extension of existing facilities in particular.

Mayor Aziz said that IMC was working on a comprehensive strategy to beautify the city and provide facilities as per the needs of each neighbourhood.

Kachnar Park is among the prominent features of the capital owing to its proximity to nature. Hundreds of visitors frequent it daily.

An extension of the park was a longstanding demand of residents of the area. The decision was made easy owing to the availability of vacant land adjacent to the park. Aziz said that parks and recreational places provide an opportunity to explore nature and have a healthy impact on the lives of people, therefore, efforts were being made to enhance the green character of Islamabad.

The mayor further said that the extension of the Kachnar Park would also enhance the beauty of signal-free expressway corridor.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2017.