ISLAMABAD: The city managers have prepared PC-I of two new parks, including a project of ‘Ferris Wheel’ which will be installed in Lake View Park.

The PC-I will be placed before the Development Working Party (DWP) of the Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s upcoming meeting for approval.

A senior officer of the CDA said the Ferris Wheel to be named as ‘Islamabad Eye’ would be 180 feet high from where the visitors could view Islamabad.

“It will be similar to London Eye,” he said. The London Eye is one of the highest public viewing points, which is installed on the South Bank of River Thames. It is one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.

A senior official said PC-I of the extension of Lake View Park had been prepared and would be placed before the upcoming meeting of the DWP.

He said PC-I of another project - Bhara Kahu Park - would also be placed before the meeting for approval.

Some years ago, the CDA had made announcements about installing a Ferris wheel in F-9 Park. Later, the civic agency said it would be installed at Malpur. However, it could not translate the announcement into reality.

“In the past, CDA’s financial health was not good; therefore, it could not move beyond announcements. But this time round, we have sufficient funds and will install the Ferris wheel in Lake View Park,” said the official.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the CDA on Sunday stated: “CDA is all set to launch another entertainment initiative for the citizens. Pakistan’s largest Ferris Wheel with a height of about 180 feet has been planned for installation at the Lake View Park.”

Phase-II of the park stalled for over a decade is now being developed. The CDA chairman has directed the environment wing to submit the PC-I for approval at the earliest.”

Meanwhile, the CDA said a new park had been planned near Bhara Kahu in the national park area. This park apart from other features will have an exclusive section for women and children.

According to the CDA, the park would also have a walking track, kids’ playing gadgets, exercise units, a water sports area, a mini-golf course and a forest area.

CDA officials said the park would be constructed at forest number 8 on around 350 acres.

They said before the start of Bhara Kahu on Murree side, the CDA has over 350 acre forest land from Shahpur road stop to Bhara Kahu. They said this area would be utilised for the park.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Movement Park is being developed along Islamabad Expressway around the tallest flag in H-8.

The park along with landscape features will also have walls with 2-D images showing pictorials of largest migration of the history.

The press release said work was in progress and the park will be inaugurated on March 23.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2021