GUJRAT: The Punjab government has approved the establishment of Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Gujrat and set aside a sum of Rs500 million as a one-time expenditure along with an annual grant of Rs100m.

The provincial cabinet had accorded approval to the establishment of PHA for the home town of Chief Minister Parvez Elahi at least a month ago; however the Punjab government’s department of housing, urban development and public health engineering has now formally issued the notification.

As per the notification, the authority will function only within the limits of Gujrat Metropolitan Corporation whereas formation of a board of directors has also been sanctioned.

At least 298 posts have also been created for Gujrat PHA which will comprise 12 directors whereas a managing director will be appointed by the provincial government.

The greenbelts and public parks across the city have been in a very poor condition for long as the local municipality and administration could not undertake maintenance of these facilities.

A senior official of the district administration said with the creation of PHA in Gujrat the greenbelts and parks would easily be maintained as the local authorities had been demanding such an agency for the beautification of the city for a long time.

Earlier in the month, the provincial government had released a grant of Rs500m as a first instalment for the expenditures on the establishment of Gujrat Waste Management Company (GtWMC).

The amount has now been transferred to company’s bank account a couple of days ago, said an official source and added that with the establishment of Gtwmc and PHA in Gujrat, the city’s basic issues of cleanliness and beautification might get resolved.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2022