GREEN streets, thriving parks and tree-lined public spaces are more than an aesthetic ambition; they are essential for healthier, more liveable communities. Punjab’s decision to establish Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in every district, eventually extending them to every tehsil, could make organized horticulture a public service across the province. Approved by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on 9 October, the initiative comes amid worsening smog, air pollution and rising temperatures.
PHAs have been established in 21 districts, while those in the remaining 20 are to follow by January 2027, covering all 41 districts. Recruitment against 2,820 technical posts has been approved, with each authority having a managing director, a director and technical staff. District-specific resource plans will help match investment to local needs. In-house nurseries, seasonal flower schedules, standardized branding and performance indicators are also intended to improve implementation and accountability.
Existing projects offer a starting point. All Category C parks in Lahore have been restored, while authorities have been assigned targets for park rehabilitation, beautification and green-belt restoration. Planting schemes include bougainvillea along Khayaban-e-Jinnah, bamboo on Atta Bakhsh Road and amaltas on other roads. Three varieties of marigold are also being grown across the province. The challenge is to turn these individual projects into lasting green infrastructure.
Trees are not merely decorative. They provide shade, reduce urban heat, store carbon and support biodiversity. Vegetation can trap some airborne dust, while accessible parks encourage exercise, recreation and social interaction. However, these benefits depend on thoughtful planning. Species must suit local conditions and have sufficient soil, water and space to mature. Survival rates and long-term maintenance matter far more than the number of saplings planted during ceremonial drives.
In a province facing recurring smog, plantation drives must complement rather than replace direct action against pollution. Controlling industrial and vehicular emissions, expanding cleaner transport, enforcing environmental standards and curbing agricultural burning remain essential.
PHAs can contribute by protecting green belts, selecting native and climate-resilient species, conserving water and replacing failed plantations. Reliable financing is equally important. Publishing district-wise expenditure, plantation sites, survival rates and maintenance schedules would allow residents to monitor progress and hold authorities accountable.
Public participation can help sustain the initiative. Schools, NGOs, businesses and residents can establish gardens, join plantation drives and adopt public green spaces through PHAs. Communities can also protect existing trees, conserve water and report neglected parks. New developments should incorporate native trees, permeable surfaces and rainwater harvesting, making greenery an integral part of urban planning.
Punjab’s horticultural heritage provides a strong cultural foundation. Lahore’s Shalimar Gardens, begun under Shah Jahan in 1641 and completed in 1642, reflect the region’s tradition of designed landscapes. Listed alongside Lahore Fort as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, they demonstrate the enduring value of green spaces. Lawrence Gardens, now Bagh-e-Jinnah, is another landmark in the province’s botanical history. In November 2025, Lahore PHA began rehabilitating its Rose Garden, where 165 of the original approximately 200 rose varieties survive, with plans to plant 35 more.
Ultimately, success will be measured not by the number of authorities established or saplings distributed, but by surviving trees, expanding green cover, accessible parks in underserved neighbourhoods and consistent maintenance. With professional management, transparent funding and public participation, Punjab can transform its horticultural legacy into a lasting investment in public well-being and a greener future.
—The writer is public policy analyst, based in Lahore.