In addition to designating the parks after historical figures, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) of Rawalpindi will convert urban parks to solar power to conserve electricity.
Ahmed Hassan Ranjha, director general of the PHA, told Dawn that the authority was confronting a financial crisis and required Rs119 million annually for salaries and other administrative expenses.
“We have submitted a business proposal to increase the authority’s income. Instead of providing a bailout, the Punjab government asked the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to submit a business plan to increase its income from its own sources.
Mr. Ranjha stated that PHA submitted the proposal and sought government approval to impose an entrance fee in parks. In addition, it required a portion of development fees in building plans and a rescue package. If the provincial government approves the proposal, the authority will implement it, according to him.
Dr Jamal Nasir, Punjab interim minister for primary and secondary health, reviewed PHA’s plan for city beautification while presiding over a meeting at the deputy commissioner’s office.
The meeting was informed that all of Rawalpindi’s parks were being renamed after historical figures, and that a plan was being developed to convert the parks to solar power in order to save electricity.
The caretaker minister stated that in addition to planting new plants, the preservation of old plants and the beauty and renovation of the city should receive special attention.
He stated that the PHA officials in charge of advertising platforms should deal with firms in a professional manner to foster healthy competition among businesses. As a consequence, the PHA’s revenue will increase.
He stated that it is the administration’s responsibility to provide a pleasant and wholesome environment for the citizens, and that the PHA plays a crucial role in this regard.
He stated that the PHA should conduct regular campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of maintaining sanitation and planting and caring for houseplants.
