KARACHI, Sept 20: The Race Course Ground located in the centre of Karachi Cantt is being turned into a modern IT complex and beautifully designed botanical garden, through a joint venture being undertaken by the Defence Housing Authority and the Horticulture Society of Pakistan, said a press release.

It added that the mammoth initiative has been initiated by the DHA in line with its progressive and futuristic policy of providing a clean, healthy and vibrant environment to its residents. “In this context, a memorandum of understanding was signed between (the) DHA and HSP at the DHA headquarters on Friday. Administrator Asif Ghazali and HSP president A.K. Khan, besides others, were present at the ceremony.”

The press release said, terming it a historical occasion, the administrator DHA hoped that the prestigious project would go a long way in the realization of the dream of establishing a botanical garden in the city.

“The design work of planning and construction of the botanical garden envisages developing 24 aesthetically designed small gardens spread over an area of 45 acres of land. These gardens will comprise a panorama of flowers, plants and shrubs of unique kinds. The colourful gardens in the backdrop of flowing fountains, singing birds and artistic landscape are being designed to grow as marvels of botanical genius and engineering skill.”

The press release envisaged the botanical garden as a new generation of gardens in the country — as a unique recreational and sightseeing spot in the city. The prestigious project is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs200 million, and will prove to be a trendsetter in the field.

Veteran members of the Horticultural Society under Mr Khan (president of HSP) expressed their determination to extend their full cooperation in the raising of funds and the provision of technical expertise to make the project a success.

Commodore Ashfaque Beg (R) would be the coordinator from the DHA to monitor the progress of the project. A separate project office is being established at the Race Course Ground for the purpose.