City beautification project resumes
Parks department accuses private builder of cutting around 70 trees. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
Civic authorities and the business community have decided to resume work on the Glorious Rawalpindi project. Adviser to Chief Minister Punjab for Tourism and Rawalpindi Horticulture Authority (PHA) Chairman Asif Mehmood on Saturday said the city would be made beautiful under Glorious Rawalpindi project.
He expressed these views during a meeting with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Mohammad Nasir Mirza. Office bearers of RCCI were present on the occasion.
RCCI and PHA showed their commitment that they would jointly re-launch the Glorious Rawalpindi Project. The initiative to beautify the city had slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic and the following lockdown.
Meanwhile, PHA has asked the departments concerned to speed up work on Glorious Rawalpindi Project.
PHA Chairman Asif Mehmood has issued directives to expedite uplift work under the Glorious Rawalpindi Project. He has instructed PHA officials to utilise all resources to bring the beauty of the garrison city at par with its neighbouring federal capital.
PHA chairman also instructed the related officials to install equal-sized display boards on all shops on GT Road along with embellishment of all pillars on Metro Bus track.
He also instructed to remove old advertisements from the signboards and replace them with newer ones in all areas of the garrison city.
RCCI had initiated the Glorious Rawalpindi Project in June 2019 to facilitate citizens, enhance the natural beauty, and protect and rehabilitate the historical sites of the city. The project is going to transform everyday life in the city with elevated road networks, ultra-modern infrastructure, the community justice systems, and innovative environmental solutions.
Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) Chairman Tariq Murtaza assured his full support to make the Glorious Rawalpindi project a success.
RDA chairman said that his office will collaborate and interact with key stakeholders and the chamber for development work under the Glorious Rawalpindi project.
He appreciated suggestions from RCCI for beautifying, improving and refining the city and resolved to work together with all stakeholders.
Under the Green Rawalpindi Plan — which is partly backed by the chamber, Murtaza said that trees will be planted across the city and particularly on the Grand Trunk Road.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2020.