LAHORE: Members of civil society and the literati have expressed serious concerns over “remodeling” of the historical Nasser Bagh on The Mall, including removal of the protective fence around it and establishment of a fast food restaurant, replacing Chaupal, a place for literary gatherings.

The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) had carried out ‘remodeling’ of the historical park that used to be called Band Stand Garden due to military band performances held there during the Raj. However, after the Partition it was renamed as Gole Bagh, and later named after Egypt’s second president Jamal Abdul Nasser.

The park spanning over 100 kanals had lush green grassy lawns, colorful flowerbeds and floodlights. It is nestled between Lower Mall and Kutchery Road and neighbours the Government College University (GCU), Punjab University and the Town Hall.

As a part of the remolding project, the iron fence around the park has been removed by the PHA with a view to provide “a fresh visual experience” to the public.

Concerned citizens talking to Dawn lamented that the park, had centuries-old trees and lush green lawn, along with Chaupal -- a place to hold literary gatherings for the city’s writers, poets, and art lovers.

They regretted that the park has now been converted into a fast-food restaurant, depriving the literati of the city of their favourite haunt. They argue that there was no need to establish the fast-food outlet in Nasser Bagh as food streets of old Anarkali and Gawalmandi were located in its vicinity.

They said the park was a rare and invaluable spot for approximately one-third of Lahore’s population for activities like morning walk, exercise, and recreation.

They say the removal of the park’s protective iron fence has turned it into a haven for stray dogs, drug addicts and muggers, while it also allows superstitious people to throw sugar and pulses etc under the centuries-old trees endangering them. Unregulated hakeems and self-proclaimed healers also damage these trees by stripping the trees bark and cutting the branches for use in different desi “medicines”, they deplored.

They say the removal of fence has also allowed motorcyclists and cyclists to enter the park unchecked, risking the life and limbs of those running or walking on its jogging track.They demanded immediate removal of the fast-food joint from the historical park, clearing encroachments on the jogging track and re-installation of the iron fence to ensure safety of the visitors and the preservation of trees.

Some concerned citizens have lodged a complaint with the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) director general for restoration of the protective fence and removal of fast-food outlet from the park.

Some citizens have also filed a petition in the Lahore High Court in this regard, but the registrar office refused to fix it for hearing, saying only the case of “urgent nature” are entertained during the court’s summer vacation.

A PHA spokesperson told Dawn that the last interim government had ordered remodeling of the park and the fence was removed under the plan. Similarly, he said, the restaurant was established, replacing Chaupal and the civil defence bunkers had been converted into an art gallery as part of the same project.

He said a parking stand has been established in the park to facilitate the public, adding that the authority had so far no plan to reinstall the iron fence around the park.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2024