LAHORE: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Lahore has begun work to refurbish The Mall, one of the principal roads in the provincial capital, ahead of the winter season, a spokesperson said Sunday.
As part of the renovation campaign, PHA has installed grass on a six-kilometer-long and 30-feet-wide stretch from Faisal Chowk to the Mian Mir Bridge, according to the spokesperson.
“We are also in the process of planting new trees and colorful flower beds to liven up the street,” he said. He also emphasised the importance of preparing winter flower beds as a measure to combat smog by reducing dirt concentrations in the air.
The makeover of The Mall was ordered by the authority’s director general Muhammad Tahir Wattoo to improve the quality of the streetscape and green areas along one of Lahore’s oldest roads. Under the project, PHA will also install new Multani tile-style planters from Club Chowk to Anarkali Bazaar Chowk, the spokesperson added.
PHA is also actively working to open Lahore’s largest government-owned commercial nursery at Gulberg Main Boulevard. Spanning more than four acres, the facility will house a wide array of seedlings, saplings, trees, shrubs and other plant materials. It will also cater to various needs, including home decor, office landscaping, and agricultural purposes, the spokesperson said.
“Plants grown and nurtured at this nursery will be offered to both government organisations and the general public,” the spokesperson said.
Furthermore, the staff will guide customers on repurposing household items for plant cultivation. Through this initiative, PHA aims to cut horticulture procurement expenses, which make up a substantial portion of its development budget.
“PHA aims to make this nursery Punjab’s best in a period of three years,” concluded the spokesperson.
