In a significant move to enhance urban greenery, the Khanewal district administration has officially begun the process of establishing a dedicated Parks & Horticulture Authority (PHA). This initiative is being undertaken on the directives of the Government of Punjab, marking a new chapter for the city's public spaces.
Key Decisions Taken in Transition Meeting
A pivotal District Transition Team meeting was convened to lay the groundwork for the new authority. The session was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Khanewal, Maleeha Rashid, who emphasized that the PHA's formation would lead to a major improvement in the state of the district's parks and green belts. The meeting involved detailed discussions on the administrative setup and future strategies for the PHA.
Attendees included key officials such as Additional Deputy Commissioner General, Ghulam Mustafa Sehar; Deputy Director Development, Muzaffar Khan; Director Horticulture Multan, Saad; and District Officer I&S, Officer Municipal Committee, Inam. The primary outcome was the decision that, in its initial phase, the PHA will assume responsibility for the maintenance, beautification, and overall improvement of all parks and green belts within Khanewal city.
Asset Transfer and Operational Timeline
A crucial part of the discussions focused on the formal handover of relevant assets from the Municipal Committee Khanewal to the newly formed PHA. To ensure a smooth launch, the meeting also decided to formally request the Director General PHA to address pressing shortages, including vacant positions, technical staff, and necessary machinery.
Deputy Commissioner Maleeha Rashid issued clear instructions to complete the asset handover process promptly. The goal is to make the PHA fully operational by next week, signaling a swift transition to dedicated park management.
Plans for a District Nursery
Looking beyond immediate maintenance, the administration is also planning for sustainable growth. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to take steps for the establishment of a district nursery. This facility will be vital for cultivating plants and trees locally, supporting the PHA's long-term beautification and greening projects across Khanewal.
The establishment of the PHA is seen as a transformative step for Khanewal, promising better-managed, cleaner, and more beautiful public green spaces for its residents to enjoy.
