TAXILA: Ahead of the upcoming Besakhi festival in which thousands of Sikh pilgrims are scheduled to participate from across the globe, the Hassanabdal Municipal administration had chalked out a multi-million beautification plan for important areas of the city including Main Chowk and gateway to Gurdwara Punja Sahib and northern areas.

Assistant Commisioner Adnan Anjum Raja, while talking to press on Wednesday, said that the project had been completed with financial help from the local community and notables in the area.

Statues were installed at Tipu Sultan Chowk opposite Cadet College in memory of Tipu Sultan, he said, adding that LED lights were installed from the bus stand to Hazara Road to give it a festive look.

He said portraits of important tourist spots and historical places have also been installed on Hazara Road.

Greenbelts would be added at the front side and rear of the Sikh temple under the plan, he said, adding that these steps would not only facilitate the pilgrims but also help promote a soft image of the country.

Responding to a question about solid water management of the city, he said for the prompt disposal of solid waste, rickshaws and excavators have been added into the municipal committee’s fleet of vehicles to provide better cleanliness facilities to residents of the area.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2020