Parks & Horticulture Authority

Introduction : Pha

In September 1998, the Parks and Horticultural Authority’s was established by merging the horticulture wing of the Lahore Development Authority and Metropolitan Corporation, Lahore. Horticulture had suffered badly due to the extensive roads rehabilitation project in the city, and the need was felt for a specialized organization to meet the challenge. PHA was assigned the task to make up for the loss of trees and green belts, and furthermore, to five impetus to the city’s beautification in the best of its green tradition.

Since its creation, the PHA has conducted its activities with great imagination, zeal and commitment. A distinct and pleasant change has come about in Lahore in these past few years. And while it has been the result of a multi-pronged effort also involving the improvement of roads, street lights and traffic management, for almost six years, PHA has played a key role in this positive transformation, working on many fronts.

Other than its functional success, the PHA has proved to be a trendsetter in financial terms as well. In 1998, the total revenue for outdoor advertisement generated by LDA and MCL was Rs. 12.5 million. In a shorts period of less than six years, the marketing wing of the Authority has raised figure to Rs. 160 million. It has introduced modem concepts like the Government-Private partnership for public services of the horticulture staff that come their parent civic agencies. All organizational and developmental expenses met by the funds generated by the Authority itself.

Today’s, Lahore is a city of more than about seven million with complex environmental problem and civic needs. The challenges to its beauty and green tradition are bigger than they have ever been through its long and dynamic history. The PHA is working diligently to meet the challenges, and carry the torch of a charming heritage.

Historical Background

No archeological remains in Lahore date that far back but from the number of coins of the Menander dynasty of Indo-Bactrian Kings discovered near Ichra, it would appear that Lahore was a place of importance some time between 4 BC and 2BC.

Mehmood Ghaznavi conquered Lahore in 1201 AD. And made it the capital of his Ghaznavi Empire. The city became the hub of social, cultural and educational activities, reaching its zenith during the Mughal era. This was the time when magnificent forts, gardens, tombs, Mosques and pavilions were built adding to the beauty and grandeur of the city.

Emperor Akbar, considered to be the greatest Mughal King, made Lahore the seat of his kingdom expanding, fortifying and embellishing the grand Shahi Qila. Other Mughal Kings, who mainly ruled from Delhi, also had a special place in their hearts for Lahore-Shaha Jehan gave it the fabled Shalimar Gardents, Aurangzab gifted the beautiful landmark of Shahi Masjid. Jehangir also built an impressive mausoleum for himself across the river Ravi. The pioneer of Sikh rule in Punjab, Maharaga Ranjit Singh, ruled from Lahore and is also buried here in a small but remarkable somadhi just outside the Fort.

During the British Raj, Many majestic public buildings like the Lahore High Court, Government College, Museum, General Post Office and sprawling Lawrence Garden enriched its beauty and diversity yet further. The large number of government, public and commercial buildings from the era gracefully combine a mélange of architectural styles; Mughal, Gothic, Victorian and Colonial.

After independence, the Minar-e-Pakistn, WAPDA House and Alhamra are just some of the monuments and building added to the city during various regimes. Large recreational parks like the Race Course Park and Gulshan-e-Iqbal were developed upon Japanese models. In Lahore, the clock of history continues to tick, and every day a new chapter is added.

Succsee Story

The Park & Horticulture Authority has emerged as a model organization on many counts. To begin with is its effectiveness. The fruits of its endeavors are remarkable and visible. It has beautified roadsides, created and improved parks, planted trees and spread flowers in Lahore. Over a short span of time, the Authority has systematically expanded the scope of its activities, in order to better realize its mission statement-marking Lahore greener, brighter and cleaner. Apart from horticulture, today the PHA contributes in many other ways to Lahore. It made the famous Food Street in the once-rundown Gawal Mandi, giving the traditional cuisine haunt a thorough face-lift. The past glory of Old Anarkali and The Mall has successfully been restored. Dry fountains have been revived and new ones added, sports and recreation facilities provided at public places. By lighting up important buildings, monuments and landmarks, PHA has made Lahore a pretty city by night. PHA has also enhanced the useful civic features like road signs, public toilets, bus stops and flower shops.

For public entertainment, PHA organizes a number of festivities and shows. Another important achievement is outdoor advertisement. The Authority efforts in this direction have not only made billboards and roadside advertisement more attractive but have also enabled it to generate enough resources to carry out its multifarious project without any extra burden on public funds.

Creation of PHA PHA was created by merging the horticultural wings of LDA and MCL on Sep 21st 1998. The rationale for the creation of the PHA was to lend focus and autonomy to the Horticulture in Lahore, in the wake of Road Rehabilitation Projects. The main objective behind the creation of PHA was to make Lahore clean and beautiful. PHA is implementing on large number of ways to accomplish its goals. Mr. Kamran Lashari was posted as first D.G. of PHA.

Mission Statement
"Make Lahore Clean, Bright & Green."

Rationale

1. To lend focus & uniformity
2. Autonomy
3. Increased priority due to Road Rehabilitation Projects

Approach and Strategy

1. Instant Impact
2. High visibility / frequented
3. Low-cost project
4. Trend-setting
5. Resources (Self Generation / Sponsorship)
6. Aesthetics / Civic Sense
7. Public Convenience / Needs-oriented
8. Public Participation
9. Low-Income areas
10. Improve maintenance

1. Plantations (Roadside/Cluster)
2. Roundabouts
3. Fountains & Lights
4. New Fountains
5. Triangles/Junctions/Green Verges
6. Planters
7. Nightscapes
8. Parks
9. Sport Complex/Community Play Courts
10. Floriculture & Nursery Progress
11. Shows & festivals
12. Tajdeed-e-Lahore Project

Land Scape

Soft Scape
Trees, Shrubs, Grounds Covers and Grass

Hard Scape
Street Furniture i-e Benches, Dust Bins, Fountains, Lampposts, Water Facilities, Monuments, Planters, Sitting Areas, Kiosks, Curb Stones, Tuff Tiles, Pavements, Steel Fence, Bus Shelters, Etc.

Night Scape
Spot Lights, Illumination Etc.