LAHORE: The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) will develop and rehabilitate parks in 11 newly-added districts across the province to increase green cover and improve urban landscapes.

The decision was taken at a meeting on Wednesday convened to review the authority’s development plans for the new fiscal year.

The meeting was held on the directions of PHA Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad and chaired by Additional Director General Mirza Waleed Baig.

The authority would operate in Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Khushab, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujrat, Jhelum, Murree, Khanewal and Muzaffargarh, bringing these districts under the authority’s jurisdiction following the provincial body’s expansion last year.

Mr Baig said improving existing parks and developing new green spaces in these districts would remain among the authority’s foremost priorities during the current financial year. He said district agencies had been directed to prepare and execute development schemes aimed at enhancing public parks and urban green areas.

Managing directors of district agencies briefed the meeting on the ongoing and proposed development projects, while participants also reviewed implementation strategies to ensure timely completion, effective monitoring and transparent execution of schemes.

Mr Baig said all district agencies would launch dedicated tree plantation campaigns during the fiscal year to increase Punjab’s green cover, with priority being given to indigenous, environmentally-compatible and long-lasting tree species.

He said the authority had recently introduced tree protection regulations under which a province-wide geographic information system (GIS)-based inventory of urban trees would be developed to facilitate mapping, monitoring and conservation. Dedicated tree officers would also be appointed to inspect trees, maintain digital records, process applications, supervise compensatory plantation and enforce the regulations. Under the new rules, violations could result in imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to Rs500,000, or both.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026