— Only a fraction of the amount released by Punjab government was spent on the project
LAHORE: The Punjab Forest department has failed to set up the forest park in Bahawalpur despite obtaining Rs190 million from the provincial government in this regard, Pakistan Today learnt.
According to details, the project titled “Establishment of Forest Park Bahawalpur 89 Acres” began in 2017 with a gestation period of two years and with the objective of beautifying the south Punjab city.
The project also sought to mitigate air and water pollution.
Pakistan Today learnt that the approved cost for the project was Rs190 million while only 5.42% (Rs10.296 million) of the total budget was utilised for the period of 2017-19
The monitoring report issued by Directorate General Monitoring and Evaluation (DGM&E) for the project states, “No activity for beautification of the area was done. There was not a single facility for physical activity and there was no activity done for mitigation of pollution.”
While giving its observations, the report states, “Aesthetic area (20 acres) was not developed properly in the park and it was not being maintained. Weeds were present in the area. Survival rate of the aesthetic plants (Pilkin, Melaleuca, Takoma and Calliandra) was very low (ranging between 50% and 63%). Water channels, of the aesthetic area, were full of weeds. Electrification was incomplete in the project area. Transformers were not installed on electric poles. Lack of proper monitoring mechanism during project implementation was observed.”
The report in its recommendations states, “Aesthetic area (20 acres) should be maintained properly. Weeding should be done on regular basis. Restocking should be done in the aesthetic area to increase plant population. Water channels should be cleaned on regular basis to minimize water losses. The forest department should also inquire into the facts for the failure of the intervention to avoid such incidents in future.”
The report while giving its conclusion states, “The project has substantial relevance due to significance of the project regarding local and national requirements. The project is not effective in achieving the objectives and targets. Efficiency of the project is poor due to no achievement of targets during the project period and within the approved cost. This project has no impact based on the target achieved. Considering the financial progress and social impacts, the project has no sustainability. According to the progress of the project and nature of targets, there is very high risk involved in the project. On the basis of collected data, observations and beneficiary survey, the project is unsuccessful.”
