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Restoration of Kidney Hill Park expected to complete soon in Karachi

More than 10,000 trees will be planted on the premises

Our Correspondent October 06, 2019

A view of Kidney Hill Park in Karachi which has been neglected and left in a dismal state by the authorities. However, following apex court’s orders, steps are now being taken for its restoration. PHOTO: PPI

KARACHI: Following the apex court's orders, steps, including the initiation of a plantation drive, have been taken to convert the otherwise neglected Kidney Hill Park in Karachi into a picturesque amusement spot.

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has completed the geographical analysis and landscaping of the park, which preceded an ongoing plantation drive at the recreational facility. Authorities monitoring the park's renovation aim to plant more than 10,000 trees in its premises in the coming two weeks, and the number is expected to increase to 100,000 over the next few months.

With the current pace of the renovation work at the park, it is expected that it will be opened for public soon.

As of now, wild-growing bushes, which once spread across the park's area, have been trimmed and pavements have been levelled. Also, garbage and rocks that previously littered the pavements have been removed with the help of heavy machinery.

According to Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Saifur Rehman, who is monitoring the park's renovation on a daily basis, trees that are being planted in the park include the royal poinciana, sacred fig, madras thorn, wild almond, fig, neem, guava, chikoo, cluster fig, banyans, coconut, babul, date palms, mango, pomegranates, custard apple and grape. He said that different paths inside the park have been paved so that the visitors will be able to reach the hilltop easily and take a bird's eye view of the city. Four main gates are also being constructed to be installed at the park's entry points and the number plates for the gates will be mounted within the next few days, he added.

Dr Rehman said that after renovation, smooth pavements, benches, clean drinking water, proper lighting, walking tracks and a children's play area will be available in the park. However, he added that "KMC doesn't have enough funds. So, we want to beautify the park, which extends over an area of 62 acres, using minimal resources and within minimum possible time."

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2019.