LAHORE: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) audit report has recommended recovery of Rs3.7 billion for 65 illegal passages in the green area on both sides of the Canal Road used by the different private housing societies, schools, hotels and commercial entities.

The PHA, which is tasked with maintaining greenbelts and parks, has faced considerable financial challenges due to the non-recovery of access charges.

According to section 11(1) of the PHA Act 2012, property owners may access green belts between their properties and service lanes or public roads, subject to Authority permission. However, this permission is strictly limited to reasonable access and does not permit any other use of the greenbelt.

Recent revelations indicate that private housing societies, schools, hotels, and commercial entities have been exploiting green areas illegally.

Private societies, schools, hotels, commercial entities using green areas illegally

A scrutiny of records by the project director revealed a staggering 65 unauthorised passages within the greenbelt of GOR, Lahore Branch Canal (LBC) and Jillani Park. These passages have been used for various purposes, including unauthorised access. The scrutiny demanded to issue notices to the private persons on account of regularisation of entry/exit points of PHA greenbelts.

The audit revealed that the financial impact of these violations was substantial and the board of directors, in its 25th meeting held on Jan 9, 2024, unanimously approved access charges for different categories including provincial and federal government housing societies, Pakistan armed forces, Pakistan air force & navy to pay Rs10,000 per square foot, private housing societies and cooperative societies for Rs25,000 per square foot and commercial entities (e.g., petrol pumps, food restaurants, commercial plazas) for Rs50,000 per square foot.

Despite these rates, the non-recovery of access charges has resulted in a staggering loss of Rs3.727 billion.

A senior PHA official on condition of anonymity told Dawn that this amount, if recovered, could significantly bolster the financial health of the PHA and support critical initiatives in parks and horticulture.

He said the audit committee had recommended early recovery to rectify this situation.

“The PHA officials often visit the owners of these societies and commercial entities and threaten to close the passage and come back after taking bribe,” he alleged.

He said if the PHA failed to recover the money it would undermine its financial stability and would also be taken as violations of board’s directives.

He said green spaces would play a vital role in urban aesthetics and environmental well-being and it was necessary to ensure their proper management by sustainable funding.

He said the PHA should act swiftly to recover these charges, safeguard greenbelts, and uphold the principles of responsible urban planning.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2024