RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has proposed a Rs10 billion plan to support Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in 11 major cities, aiming to improve public parks, green belts, and recreational spaces across the province.
This step is part of the government’s “Clean and Green Punjab” plan. It comes after PHAs started facing money problems because the Supreme Court banned billboard ads, which used to be a big source of income for them.
According to a summary sent to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, the proposed amount will be used for non-development activities such as repairing, maintaining, and beautifying parks and green areas.
The funding is meant to meet the rising operational needs of PHAs in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Multan, and others.
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Right now, PHAs get Rs4.757 billion every year through the Schedule of New Expenditures (SNEs), and out of this, Rs3.3 billion goes to PHA Lahore alone. But the development budget for 2024–25 is only Rs2.025 billion, and for 2025–26 it drops to just Rs32 million. Officials say this amount is too low to meet the increasing needs.
New Business Models on the Cards
To address the financial gap, PHAs have been directed to create new business models with help from consultants.
These models may include partnerships with the private sector, hosting public events, using advertisement rights, growing nursery plants for sale, and launching green sponsorship schemes.
Cabinet Sub-Committee to Monitor Progress
The government has also recommended forming a Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by the minister for housing and urban development.
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This committee will monitor PHA activities, approve park development plans, coordinate with other departments, and oversee recreational projects like building cricket grounds, paddle tennis courts, and futsal areas for children.
The summary urges the chief minister to approve both the funding and the formation of the committee. If approved, the matter will be sent to the cabinet for final approval.
The proposed plan reflects the government’s focus on improving the urban environment and promoting healthy outdoor spaces. However, it remains to be seen how quickly these initiatives will benefit the public.
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