The director general of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has ordered the upgradation of the nation’s first Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden of Lahore’s Jallo Park. First opened in 2015, the first-of-its-kind butterfly aviary spread over 16,500 square feet houses about 50 types of butterflies, including foreign species. In a meeting on Wednesday, DG Muhammad Tahir Wattoo ordered a feasibility report detailing the ways to attract tourists and educate members of the public about the colorful creatures. According to a spokesperson, the authority had originally planted thousands of plants at the facility to provide a natural ambience. Addressing the meeting, Wattoo noted the authority plans to complete the engineering work such as maintaining the roof, dome and chillers to provide an enabling natural environment for butterflies growth. The meeting also deliberated on ways to enhance the visual appeal of Lahore. In this regard, the director general ordered the horticulture directors to increase the number of planters and flower beds in various areas, including The Mall, Wahdat Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gulberg. He also ordered the repair of the old planters around Azadi Chowk. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of preparing winter flowerbeds on all green belts as a measure to combat smog and enhance the citys appeal. Separately, he also ordered the field staff to install missing lights around walking tracks in major parks and level them. They were also directed to properly maintain play areas and the swings in them. The PHA aims to turn the city’s parks into picnic points, declared Wattoo. He also announced cash rewards and commendation certificates for several staffers in recognition of exemplary performance in horticulture work.
