ABBOTTABAD, Feb 22: Private flower and plant nurseries have occupied the Jinnah Bagh and started using the place to plant saplings as the sale of plants is expected to rise in the spring season.

One wonders that when the private nurseries can earn a handsome profit through the sale of plants and saplings, then why can’t the government departments with their separate armies of “Malis” (gardeners) do this job more efficiently and earn a meaningful amount.

The nurseries of the Forest department are also in the business but as it is said that they only deal in pines. Moreover they have no sale point in the Abbottabad city.

Decorating rooms and windows with colourful flower pots is a hobby of at least 60 per cent citizens and all of them rely on private nurseries which charge them exorbitant rates for all sorts of flowers and saplings.

In Abbottabad, besides the Municipal Corporation and district council, Cantonment board has its own set up to cater to the needs of affiliate departments, but they do not offer any help to private citizen.