PHA eyes Rs100m for park security

Another Rs120m to be spent on energy efficiency

RAWALPINDI:

The Parks & Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi has earmarked Rs100 million to improve security at prominent parks in the garrison city, which would include fencing at the boundaries and greater surveillance.

A second project said to cost Rs120 million, would see the park’s existing energy structure be converted to solar to cut down on electricity costs. It also envisions creating excess energy that could then be sold back to the power utility. Both projects were slated for completion in the current fiscal year.

As part of the security upgrade of parks, fences would be set up along the perimeter of the Allama Iqbal Park for the safety of families, particularly female visitors. It stated that the railing would have ‘laser wires’ along the fence. CCTV cameras would monitor all areas of public parks, it said. The project would also include improved lightning, with LEDs fixed at key points and walkways. Alarms would also be installed at specific locations in the parks.

Additional security would be deployed for the protection of women and families.

Weapons would not be allowed in the parks. People would enter through a walkthrough gate with security features. Smoking would not be allowed in the parks.

Under the second project, powering irrigation and other activities in parks and nurseries would be done using solar power. The lights in parks and office electricity would also be generated through the solar system.

The park would install new meters with the cooperation of the power utility. The estimated cost of the project is Rs120 million.

According to PHA Director General Ahmed Hasan Ranjha, beautification efforts would continue at public parks to provide more entertainment avenues.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2023.