LAHORE: In a major step toward enhancing urban greenery and improving recreational infrastructure, the Punjab government has proposed a Rs10 billion allocation to bolster the Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) across 11 major cities.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to realise a “Clean and Green Punjab,” and comes amid concerns about the financial sustainability of the PHAs following a Supreme Court-imposed ban on billboard advertisements — a key revenue source.

According to a summary submitted to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz by the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, the proposed funding will support non-development expenditures such as the repair, maintenance, and beautification of public parks and green belts. The funds aim to bridge the significant gap between existing allocations and the actual operational needs of the PHAs, which are mandated to manage and enhance green areas in cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and others.

Currently, PHAs receive Rs4.757bn annually through SNEs (Schedule of New Expenditures), with an overwhelming Rs3.3bn directed to PHA Lahore alone. The development budget for financial year 2024–25 and 2025–26 is meagre in comparison, standing at Rs2.025bn and Rs32 million respectively — amounts officials describe as inadequate for the scale of required operations.

Move aims at enhancing urban greenery

In response to these challenges, PHAs have been instructed under guidance from chief minister to develop innovative business models with the help of consultancy firms. These models are expected to include diversified revenue streams such as public-private partnerships, event hosting, outdoor advertisement rights, nurseries, and green sponsorships.

To ensure effective governance and efficient use of public funds, the government has also proposed the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee under the leadership of the minister for housing, urban development & public health engineering. The committee will be tasked with overseeing the performance of PHAs, approving development and beautification plans,

ensuring inter-departmental coordination, and monitoring recreational initiatives such as the construction of cricket pitches, paddle tennis courts, and futsal facilities for children.

The summary urges the chief minister to approve both the formation of this oversight committee and the Rs10bn allocation. If endorsed, the proposal will be presented to the cabinet for final consent.

This initiative marks a significant policy shift toward strengthening environmental and recreational infrastructure across Punjab’s urban centres. As the government moves to institutionalise sustainability and innovation in urban horticulture, it remains to be seen how swiftly these measures can translate into tangible improvements for the province’s residents.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2025