LAHORE: The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) has decided to restore Nehru Park, a historical site in the Krishan Nagar neighbourhood of Lahore, to its full grandeur.

The Nehru Park is the site where the Indian National Congress adopted its Purna Swaraj (Complete Independence) resolution on Dec 31, 1929, during its historic Lahore session. The resolution demanded full self-rule for India and a complete break from British rule.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Congress president, had raised the Indian flag at the site to mark the declaration. The resolution rejected Britain’s offer of dominion status under the 1929 Irwin Declaration, calling instead for outright independence. It went on to drive a nationwide movement that culminated in the Jan 26, 1930 Declaration of Independence — later observed as India’s first Independence Day.

According to PHA Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid, the restoration of the park will combine horticulture and engineering works.

The horticultural wing will use lush green grass and colourful seasonal flowers to give the park a renewed look while the engineering team will install night lights, benches and children’s swings to make it more family-friendly.

The PHA has also repaired the boundary wall, added decorative floral plants inside and outside the park, and installed a cricket pavilion.

A number of decorative fountains will be added to further enhance the historic park, Mr Javaid said.

“Nehru Park is not just a public park but a site of historical importance, and it is our responsibility to preserve its character while restoring it as a vibrant green space for the citizens,” he added.

The project is part of a broader plan to restore and renovate over 800 smaller community parks under the PHA jurisdiction across Lahore, Mr Javaid said, adding that students and civil society groups will be involved in the restoration process.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2026