Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a meeting, here today, which reviewed various steps for beautification of big cities of the province through horticulture. Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said that trees, saplings and flowers eliminate pollution and enhance beauty of cities. He said that promotion of horticulture is necessary for providing pollution-free atmosphere to the people. That is why, Punjab government is making big cities gorgeous and attractive through horticulture, he added. Shehbaz Sharif said that the projects executed in the cities are also being beautified through horticulture which are increasing the attractiveness of the projects as well as the cities. He directed that speedy steps should be taken for further promotion of horticulture in big cities of the province including Lahore. He said that besides plantation of saplings under tree plantation campaign, their looking after is also essential, for which, effective steps should be taken. The Chief Minister said that the work should be carried out keeping in view the uniqueness and innovation for enhancing the beauty of cities through horticulture and cooperative housing societies should also be bound for promoting tree plantation. He said that the process of beautification of cities with saplings and flowers should be further accelerated. He said the the work of beautifying the walls of public and private buildings alongside big roads through horticulture should be expedited. Shehbaz Sharif directed that setting up of a training institution of horticulture should be considered and the recommendations be presented. He said that construction of swimming pools for men and women in cities should be considered. He said that the tree plantation campaign should be launched vigorously during current month and a final plan be submitted in this regard. He said that there should be maximum recreational spots for the people in the present situation. He said that seven picnic points should be set up from Harbanspura to Jallo for this purpose and play areas for the recreation of the children will be established in these picnic points. Kh. Ahmad Hasaan, DG Walled City Authority, Vice-Chairman PHA Iftikhar Ahmad, MD NESPAK, Commissioner Lahore Division, Secretary Housing, DG LDA, DCO Lahore and DG PHA as well as concerned officials participated in the meeting.
