January 2, 2002	Wednesday	Shawwal 17, 1422

KARACHI, Jan 1: The city government is actively considering a proposal for developing a park-cum-recreation spot along the 32-kilometre long dry-belt of the Malir river.

If the proposal materialises, the proposed park, to be called as “Bagh-i-Karachi” will also have sports-games and playgrounds which would be directly benefiting the residents of eight towns situated on either side of the Malir river.

City Nazim Naimatullah Khan, who accompanied by the Naib Nazim Tariq Hassan and DCO Shafiq-ur-Rehman Paracha, visited the river-belt on Tuesday to see whether a recreation place could be developed. He also announced formation of a five-member committee for examining the idea of setting up of a park.

The committee, to be headed by the city government’s executive district officer (Revenue), Javed Hanif, has been asked to furnish its findings to the City Nazim by Jan 31. The other members of the committee include EDO (Agriculture) Dr Manzoor Al Awan, district officer (parks) Hanif Nasir, KDA’s design Bureau’s director Zaigham Jaffery and the Jamshed Town’s UC-7 Nazim Zahid Saeed.

Briefing the City Nazim about the proposal, the Jamshed Town’s UC-7 Nazim, Zahid Saeed, who mooted the idea, said with a view to protecting the industrial and residential areas on both sides of the river against the onslaught of floods, a protective embankment was constructed.

He pointed out that Malir River used to have floods in monsoon, but there had been no floods even once during the last 15 years.

He said the river-bed is about 2000 to 3000-feet wide between two brinks where thousands of acres is lying barren whereas in some areas, illegal cultivation of vegetables is being made.

The Nazim was informed that sub-soil water is in abundance in the area and some quantity of water also flows through the river and, as such, there would be no water shortage for cultivation of vegetables as well for ensuring greenery all around.

Moreover, the available water could also be conserved and utilised for introducing water games at the Nadi.

It was stated that if proper planning is carried out, the proposed project on its completion would help provide biggest recreational facilities, including dozens of playgrounds to the Karachiites, in general and to those residing in the eight towns.

PARK AT CAMPUS: The Nazim of the City District Government has expressed his willingness to set up a beautiful garden at Karachi University, adds APP.

This was stated by Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University, Prof. Dr Zafar Saeed Saifi, while talking to students at the campus here on Tuesday on the occasion of commencement of new academic year.

He said soon a tree-plantation drive would also be initiated at Karachi University campus.

The Vice-Chancellor reminded the students that the present era is of research and that students while acquiring education should also pay attention towards research and thus serve the society in an ef