LAHORE:The Horticulture Agency Lahore (PHA) has decided to accelerate its plantation activities, improve park maintenance and launch new beautification initiatives across the provincial capital. The decision was taken during an important meeting of Horticulture Directors chaired by PHA Managing Director Ahmed Usman Javed. Additional Managing Directors Rao Tasleem Akhtar and Zona Waheed Butt, Director Finance Ahmed Saeed Manj and other senior horticulture officers attended the meeting.
The participants were given a detailed briefing on ongoing horticulture activities in various zones, the tree plantation campaign, maintenance of parks and future development plans. Speaking on the occasion, the MD said horticulture was the core function of PHA and the agency was committed to enhancing Lahore’s beauty, greenery and overall landscape. He said PHA Lahore was currently managing and maintaining 808 parks and 1,273 green belts across the city.
He added that Lahore had five A+ category parks, 178 A category parks, 311 B category parks and 314 C category parks, which required continuous maintenance and improvement.The MD said special focus was being given to the tree plantation campaign, under which 32,566 free saplings had so far been distributed among citizens. He directed officials to give priority to fruit-bearing plants during plantation activities.
He further instructed that students should be actively engaged in the plantation drive to promote environmental awareness among the younger generation. He also ordered the immediate repair of faulty water pumps in all zones to ensure proper maintenance of green spaces.
Ahmed Usman said the “Adopt a Park” programme would be further encouraged to involve citizens and organisations in improving public parks. He directed officials to begin preparations for the Annual Chrysanthemum Flower Show without delay and develop a comprehensive plan for the Spring Festival scheduled for March next year.The MD also announced that PHA field staff would be provided caps and jackets to improve their working efficiency and give them a distinct uniform identity.
