Canal Road to undergo eco-friendly upgrade

Multi-department effort focuses on footpaths, plantation

JARANWALA:

In a bid to enhance the beauty and eco-friendliness of the Canal Road and the Expressway, the district administration has initiated a campaign involving multiple departments.

The effort aims to repair, rehabilitate, and maintain footpaths, redesign the RB Canal, conduct patchwork on the main road, and ensure plantation and cleanliness on both sides from the Canal Expressway to Abdullahpur Bridge.

Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Nadeem Nasir announced the launch of the campaign during a high-level meeting with the heads of various departments under his jurisdiction.

He emphasised the goal of making the city's thoroughfares "zero waste" and attractive for visitors, with a view to turning Faisalabad into a tourist hub.

The meeting was attended by Muhammad Asif Choudhary, Director General of the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), Dr Shahab Aslam, Additional Director General, Rauf Ahmad, CEO of Faisalabad Waste Management Company (FWMC) and chief engineers from various departments.

Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir tasked the District Council and Additional Deputy Commissioner General to create a comprehensive plan with clear timelines.

He also appointed the Chief Officer of District Council and the DG of Parks and Horticultural Authority (PHA) as focal points to coordinate efforts across departments.

The campaign will deploy heavy machinery and manpower to speed up the work. FDA DG presented a detailed plan covering the area from Canal Road to the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company.

The Irrigation Department was directed to arrange a workforce and equipment, while the FWMC was tasked with lifting and scientifically disposing of solid waste. The PHA will lead the plantation drive and trim overgrown trees, while the Highway Department will focus on repairing roads and clearing footpaths.

Additionally, the Metropolitan Corporation has been instructed to install dustbins across the eight bazaars around the Clock Tower intersection and launch an awareness campaign to combat encroachments by pushcart vendors.

The road in question has evolved into a bustling commercial hub, frequented by foreign delegations visiting their investment units in various sectors, including solar power, garments, chemicals, fertilisers, and textiles.