The Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) is set to introduce a centralised digital portal to monitor the performance of horticultural agencies throughout the province, as announced by Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad on Thursday. This portal will consolidate major administrative functions onto a single platform, including human resource management, park and green belt mapping, and real-time tracking of field vehicle operations.
Key Features of the Digital Portal
The system will maintain a digital inventory of district agency equipment such as tractors, water bowsers, and other horticultural machinery, improving asset tracking and maintenance planning. A dedicated public helpline will allow citizens to register complaints and share observations about parks and green spaces. These concerns will be automatically routed to the relevant department for timely action.
Integration of PHA Services
The portal will incorporate key PHA services like Adopt-a-Park, nursery management, plant inventories, and a digital attendance system to ensure effective management and monitoring. The Adopt-a-Park scheme, previously limited to Lahore, has been expanded to cities including Jhang, Rahim Yar Khan, Khushab, Nankana Sahib, Sheikhupura, Okara, Gujrat, Jhelum, Murree, Khanewal, and Muzaffargarh.
Commitment to Digital Governance
Director General Raja Mansoor Ahmad stated that field teams will regularly update the portal with the latest data to keep information current. The primary goal is to bring PHA operations fully into the digital age, aligning with the Punjab government's vision of transparent and technology-driven governance. He added, "By centralising data and streamlining communication between field agencies and the provincial authority, the initiative will improve accountability, reduce delays, and raise the overall standard of horticulture management across Punjab."
Beautification and Development Efforts
On the horticultural front, PHA has intensified beautification work across districts, undertaking extensive flower plantation and maintenance drives. New parks are being developed in cities like Sargodha, Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, alongside the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing recreational facilities. The authority is also installing decorative features, including daytime ornamental displays and illuminated structures for the night, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities.
