LAHORE DIVISION

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has launched a Green Railway Corridor project in Lahore under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for a greener and smog-free Punjab. Modelled on similar initiatives in developed countries, the project aims to transform abandoned, unused and garbage-strewn railway land into parks, gardens and public recreational spaces. Under the four phase project, a total of 32 parks will be developed along railway tracks. During the first phase, around 20 acres of land between Shahdara and Raiwind have already been converted into landscaped green spaces, gardens, walking areas and recreational facilities. Officials said 21 parks have also been completed on land adjoining the railway tracks. These parks are providing recreational facilities to local communities while contributing to environmental improvement and helping reduce air pollution. The Punjab Green Railway Corridor will span a total length of 45 kilometres and is estimated to cost more than Rs 1.77 billion. The project has been divided into four packages and is being jointly implemented by the Punjab Horticulture Authority and Pakistan Railways. According to the Punjab government, the initiative is an important step towards developing green spaces along railway tracks in line with international urban planning practices. It is intended to make Punjab greener and more attractive, improve the urban environment and provide safe, quality recreational facilities for children, women and the general public. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to remove obstacles delaying the remaining phases and accelerating implementation. She has also instructed the departments concerned to ensure high construction standards and timely completion of the project.

Lahore : ReNews Pakistan Acting on the directions of Lahore Development Authority Director General Tahir Farooq, the LDA Town Planning Wing launched a major operation against illegal commercial buildings, unauthorised land use conversion and commercial fee defaulters across the LDA controlled area, sealing a total of 124 properties and demolishing several unlawful structures. According to the LDA, the operations were carried out in Jubilee Town, Gulberg, New Garden Town, Samanabad, Gujjarpura, New Muslim Town, Poonch Road and Sabzazar. In Jubilee Town, an unauthorised structure at Plot No. 539 A was demolished over illegal land use conversion. An LDA spokesperson said 30 properties were sealed in Gulberg and New Garden Town for illegal commercial use, while another 72 properties were sealed in Samanabad, Gujjarpura, New Muslim Town and along Poonch Road. During a separate recovery operation, 22 properties were also sealed in Sabzazar. The sealed properties included private schools, wedding halls, cafés, restaurants, food outlets, bakeries, beauty salons, pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware shops, clinics, automobile workshops, retail shops, offices and other commercial establishments operating in violation of applicable regulations. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Town Planner One Asaduz Zaman and Chief Town Planner Two Azhar Ali. LDA officials said indiscriminate action against illegal commercial activities, unauthorised construction and properties with unpaid commercial fees would continue to ensure planned and lawful urban development across Lahore.

Lahore : Riaz Hussain ReNews Pakistan Managing Director of the Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore, Zahid Parvez Warraich, visited Jilani Park and reviewed various facilities being provided to citizens. During the visit, the managing director inspected the bonsai garden, lake, gymnasium, jogging track and the park’s main entrance. He also conducted a detailed review of other public amenities available at the park. Project Director Waqar Rehman briefed the managing director on the park’s administrative arrangements, maintenance activities and ongoing improvement measures. Zahid Parvez Warraich directed the concerned officials to further improve cleanliness, horticulture and public facilities across the park. He said that providing citizens with a high quality, safe and pleasant recreational environment remained the foremost priority of PHA Lahore. He further instructed officials to give special attention to all matters necessary for developing Jilani Park into a model recreational destination in Lahore. He stressed that the provision of the best possible facilities to visitors must be ensured under all circumstances.