Colourful avains stole people’s heart away at the bird show organized by the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Jillani Park, Lahore on Sunday. The event was organized, as a part of the ongoing Spring Festival.
Due to excessive air pollution, several avians that once graced the skies of Lahore and its outskirts have disappeared and at the current rate of the reestablishment of the canopy, indigenous birds could only be marveled at by the citizens in the bird show.
Several rare bird species and those local to the province were put on display in light cages at the bird show.
Like the colours of spring, these birds flaunted their attractive feathers challenging the beauty of the flowers at the park.
Speaking on the occasion, PHA Chairman Engineer Yasir Gilani said that the glorious birds in shades of blue, green, red and yellow are the masterpieces of the Supreme Being.
Read more: Capital’s parks add to beauty, biodiversity of the city
“We must look after the flora and fauna to enhance the beauty of our city and protect the future of our next generations,” he underscored.
Meanwhile PHA Vice Chairman Hafiz Zeeshan Rasheed said that the participation of a large number of people of Lahore in the bird show demonstrates their love for nature and such activities, particularly during the spring season.
He hoped that the people would instill love for nature among children by bringing them in such events.
When questioned about the alarming pollution levels of the provincial capital and other cities of Punjab, PHA Director General (DG) Jawad Ahmad Qureshi said that thousands of trees are being planted to end pollution.
“We are also in the process of developing several artificial forests to suck up carbon di oxide and other pollutants threatening humans and wildlife.”
He vowed that the mission of greening Lahore will be completed soon as the Punjab government has promised complete support.
Celebrating the success of the event, the DG said that he prides in the bird show organized by the authority to bring smiles on the faces of urbanites.
“It is our gift to the people of Lahore!” he exclaimed.
Talking to The Express Tribune, several families hoped that such events would be organized throughout the year to take off stress of the urban lives.
At the event, domesticated pigeons, golden partridges, chickens, colorful parrots, and falcons remained the center of attention for the citizens. They enjoyed clicking selfies with the pretty avians and thanked PHA for putting up a great show.
In the past, citizens would enjoy these amazing birds in their natural habitat, instead of cages, on fruit bearing and other dense trees on Canal Road, Mall Road, Lawrence Garden, Greater Iqbal Park, Baradari, Shahi Qila, Jahangir Mausoleum and Shalimar Bagh.
Now they call on the authorities to recover the green cover to bring avians back home.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 8th, 2021.
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