RAWALPINDI: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will convert vacant areas under the Chandni Chowk flyover and the main four parks into sports corners to provide ample opportunities to the youth of the garrison city for sports activities.

Talking to Dawn, PHA Director General (DG) Ahmed Hassan Ranjha stated the vacant space under Chandni Chowk flyover would be converted into a cricket arena for the youngsters. Besides, a basketball court would also be established in the area.

At present, he said, they had rented out the Commercial Market Park in Satellite Town for the establishment of a cricket arena, which attracted the youth.

As a part of the beautification drive, the PHA will use all the vacant areas for recreational activities, the DG conveyed.

He added that Commissioner Rawalpindi Liaquat Ali Chatha had directed the concerned departments to make Murree Road a model road and work had already been initiated.

The DG further articulated that all the pillars of the Metro Bus elevated road will be whitewashed on one theme to remove the eye sores from the main artery of the garrison city.

Moreover, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has been asked to cooperate with the PHA to streamline the signboards of shops and commercial plazas on Murree Road from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad.

In the coming days, the beautification drive will be launched for roads, for which, the civic body has started a survey to identify different areas and walls to be refurbished.

Mr Ranjha remarked that the traders on the main roads had been asked to make the signboards of their shops on the pattern provided by the PHA. Also, he said, the PHA would not purchase the plants from the market but would provide trees and plants to the residents from its own nursery.

The DG further said the PHA had restarted work on two parks and flower beds in all the parks in the city.

“We have made a plan to improve green belts on the Metro section from Marrir Chowk to Faizabad and attention will also be paid to Raja Bazaar,” he added.

The trees and flowers would be grown in the road medians in Raja Bazaar and other parts of the inner city. The PHA wanted the visitors to feel the difference in the coming days, Mr Ranjha said, adding as part of the beautification drive, seasonal flower beds had also been constructed and trees planted along the main roads to give the city a green look.

“Some work on the beautification drive was already launched, and in this regard, the PHA had installed a floral national flag in the area, adjacent to RDA offices.

The agency is planning to improve the condition of the walls and underpasses while planting more trees on the main roads, he said.

In response to a question, the DG stated that during his visit to Raja Bazaar and adjacent areas, he had asked gardeners to look after the trees planted on the roads. He announced that the agency would soon chalk out a plan to improve the historical bazaars in the next phase.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2023