Authority to expand commercial operations, promote local plantation and improve green spaces across Punjab

By Farzana Chaudhry Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) will establish commercial nurseries in all districts under its administrative control to provide seasonal flowers and ornamental plants to the public at subsidised prices, Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid said on Thursday.

Addressing a virtual meeting of district managing directors, Javaid said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to increase the authority’s own-source revenue and reduce its reliance on government funding.

He said the PHA currently operated two commercial nurseries, along with gift and flower shops, in Lahore. Expanding the network to other districts would enable residents to purchase seasonal flowers and ornamental plants closer to their homes.

The director general said district horticulture agencies would also prepare seasonal flower calendars to coordinate plantation activities and improve the maintenance of green spaces. Plantation and flowering plans would be developed according to local climate, soil conditions, water availability and landscaping requirements rather than following a uniform model across the province.

He said priority would be given to suitable native and climate-appropriate species, including amaltas and bougainvillaea, to increase green cover and improve the appearance of public spaces.

Amaltas, known for its yellow flower clusters, is suitable for avenues, parks and green belts, while bougainvillaea can be used for hedges, road medians and ornamental landscaping. Both plants are well suited to Punjab’s sunny climate, he added.

Javaid said bamboo would also be planted along selected drains and waterways to help control soil erosion. Its extensive root system can stabilise embankments and reduce soil loss caused by flowing water.

In accordance with the chief minister’s directions, districts would install planters and flowerpots of uniform design along roads, footpaths and green belts to create a consistent appearance across public spaces.

The PHA chief also directed district managing directors to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess officials’ performance and progress against assigned targets.

The indicators would cover plantation programmes, the maintenance of parks and public spaces, and the timely completion of development projects.

Javaid said the authority was working to expand Punjab’s green cover in line with the chief minister’s vision, with locally suitable plantation, improved landscaping and better maintenance of public spaces remaining central to its efforts.