RAWALPINDI: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has urged the Punjab government for laying underground power supply system in the main city areas in place of electricity poles and wires on various roads, which have become eyesores.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of the PHA task force which was presided over by the authority’s chairman Asif Mehmood. Members of the task force, formed for beautification of Rawalpindi, were in attendance.

It was stated that the meeting was called to form the terms of reference (ToRs) for working of the task force. The beautification project will be formally started after getting approval for the ToRs from the Punjab government.

The government had formed the 11-member task force led by Mr Mehmood and including as members the representatives of the commissioner, deputy commissioner, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, traders, Rawalpindi Development Authority, National College of Arts, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation and Archaeology Department.

The task force will identify the spots for uplift while PHA will be the executing agency. However, it may seek consultancy service for making the feasibility study and design of any project for beautification of the city.

The members discussed the issue of electricity wires at main arteries and prominent places of the city and decided to send a formal request to the provincial government to ask the relevant power supply company for laying underground wires.

Speaking on the occasion, the PHA chairman said that the task force would also select historical buildings which would be preserved for tourists.

He said that the monsoon drive had been launched and trees would be planted along the main roads and squares. He said that in order to promote local culture the PHA had started decoration of the main walls and in this regard the main entry point of Rawalpindi from Islamabad had been decorated.

Mr Mehmood said that there was need to construct washrooms and public toilets along the main roads and in main bazaars. He said that the local traders had been requested to help the government in this regard.

He said that the city had enough places to attract tourists. “The historical buildings of Rawalpindi like Sujaan Singh Haveli, temples and other religious worship places will be protected and rehabilitated to attract visitors,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2019