On Sunday, Punjab Horticulture Authority Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid announced that district horticulture agencies throughout Punjab will create custom plantation strategies that match the climate, soil, and design needs of each city. During an online conference with managing directors from district agencies, Javaid stated that native trees and shrubs like Amaltas, Neem, and Bougainvillea will receive top priority.
Selected drainage corridors will feature bamboo plantings, as the thick root system aids in soil binding, embankment stabilization, and erosion reduction. Javaid pointed out that Amaltas works well in parks, green belts, and avenues due to its yellow flower clusters, whereas Bougainvillea fits medians and hedges well, with both species thriving in the sunny weather and ornamental settings of Punjab.
According to the director general, this new plan swaps out the old uniform model for city-tailored greenery. Agencies will pick vegetation based on water supplies, local soil, climate, infrastructure needs, and urban design requirements. He mentioned that this method aligns with the provincial urban-forestry policy supporting species chosen for local environments, as well as the government push for climate-resilient green areas.
Following instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, district offices will draft monthly schedules for seasonal flowers. Additionally, the PHA plans to set up nurseries in every municipality to provide affordable plants to citizens for seasonal displays and planting campaigns.
Javaid instructed managing directors to create key performance indicators to measure staff progress and goal completion. These metrics will address park maintenance, public space upkeep, planting initiatives, and finishing development projects on schedule, he explained. To create a uniform visual style across urban areas, the PHA will position identical planters and flowerpots along footpaths, roads, and green belts in all cities.
The agency recently wrapped up its yearly monsoon plantation effort. Javaid explained that the monsoon season works best for planting because heavy rain helps young trees set deep roots fast, with priority given to local, shade-providing types. He added that the main goal is integrating greenery permanently into urban design instead of treating it as a temporary task, which means keeping saplings alive through proper monitoring, watering, and care.
