LAHORE: Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is working to open a state-of-the-art four-acre commercial nursery at Gulberg Main Boulevard, said a spokesperson here on Tuesday. The initiative, is the brainchild of Director General Muhammad Tahir Wattoo, was a part of broader effort to create further fiscal space for the authority. Spanning more than four acres, this facility, arguably the city’s largest, would house a wide array of seedlings, saplings, trees, shrubs, and other plant materials. It will also cater to various needs, including home decor, office landscaping, and agricultural purposes. “Plants grown and nurtured at this nursery will be offered to both government organizations and the general public,” the spokesperson said. Furthermore, the staff will provide guidance to customers on re-purposing household items for plant cultivation.
Through this initiative, the authority also aims to cut horticulture procurement expenses which make a substantial portion of its development budget. Relevant government institutions such as the Forest Department operate commercial nurseries across their jurisdictions but it’s the sheer scale of PHA’s project that shines off similar facilities. “PHA aims to make this nursery Punjab’s best in a period of three years,” said Mr Wattoo. Separately, in a meeting, Wattoo instructed the beautification of Canal Road with seasonal flowers and plants to enhance its visual appeal. The authority plans to plant approximately 250,000 plants along the canal before the upcoming winter season. Similar directives were issued for areas around G.T. Road. Meanwhile, the authority is also in the process of changing planters from Governor House to Anarkali Chowk at The Mall. According to the spokesperson, the staff has been directed to uplift junctions and underpasses, at the thoroughfare.