The Jilani Park, Lahore

Internship Report by

Muhammad Imran Nawaz

Abdul Mannan Zafar

Qurat- Ul-Ain Shahid

Abdul Rehman

Abdullah Ejaz

Environmental Engineers of UET Lahore

Report submitted to: Sir Riaz Ahmad Shad (Director Admin. PHA)

Worked at: PHA (Parks & Horticulture Authority)

Worked as: internees of “The Urban Unit”

Internship period: July 06, 2011 to August 13, 2011

Institute of Environmental Engineering & ResearchUniversity of Engineering & Technology Lahore.

1 Introduction to Jilani Park

Abstract

This report contains a brief introduction to Lahore including its history, culture & traditions and

geography and a small description about the PHA (Parks & Horticultural Authority) and a

complete introduction to the Jilani Park former the Race Course Park and its complete study

about its location, area, plantation, trees, grounds, water sources, electricity sources, recreational

facilities and much more. This report is the result of our six weeks internship at PHA issued from

The Urban Unit during which we worked as a team at the Race Course Park and collected its

data and information with the collaboration of each of our team member and this report

represents our work. At the end I would like to thank Sir Riaz Ahmad Shad (Director

Administration PHA) for his great love, kind affection, a lot of cooperation and guidance from

all aspects, which lead us to make this report.

2 Introduction to Jilani Park

Table of Content:

1. Introduction 41.1 The city of Lahore 4

1.2 PHA (parks and Horticulture Authority) 41.3 Achievements 5

2. Jilani Park 62.1 Location 62.2 Description 62.3 Staff 62.4 Area 72.5 Source of water 72.6 Walkway and Jogging Track 8

2.6.1 Maintenance of Jogging Track 8 2.7 Landscaping 9

2.7.1 Types of trees in the park 92.7.2 Types of Shrubs in the park 10

2.8 Machinery 112.9 Power / Electricity Supply 112.10 Recreational Facilities 11

2.10.1 Cradles for Children 122.10.2 Canteens and Cafeterias 122.10.3 Lake 132.10.4 Artificial Hill 13

2.11 Description about the Lake water 142.11.1 Use of the Lake water 142.11.2 Treatment of the Lake water 15

2.12 Parking facility 152.13 Cricket Grounds 162.14 Health and Fitness Facilities 16

2.14.1 Gent’s Gymnasium 162.14.2 Ladies Fitness Centre 172.14.3 Training Centre 17

2.15 Study Hall 182.16 Mosque 182.17 VIP’s Visits 192.18 Lahore Race Club 202.19 Effect of park on the Environment 20

3. Flaws/ suggestions and comments 21

3 Introduction to Jilani Park

1. Introduction

1.1. Lahore:

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan with a population of roughly 8.5 million. The

traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years, it had been the cultural center of Northern

India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi. This preeminent position it holds in Pakistan as

well. The people of Lahore, when they want to emphasize the uniqueness of their town say

"Lahore is Lahore". Lahore is the city of poets, artists and the center of film industry. It has the

largest number of educational institutions in the country and some of the finest gardens in the

continent.

Apart from being the cultural and academic centre of the country, Lahore is the showcase for

Mughal architecture in Pakistan. For more than 200 years, beginning from about 1524 AD,

Lahore was a thriving cultural centre of the great Mughal Empire. Mughal Emperors beautified

Lahore, with palaces, gardens and mosques.

The original citadel city is situated one mile to the south of the river Ravi, and some 23 miles

from the eastern border of the Punjab district. The walls of the city, when they were still

standing, gave it a shape of a parallelogram. The total area inside the walls encompassed roughly

461 acres of land. The city is slightly elevated above the plain, and has a high ridge within it,

running east and west on its northern side. The whole of this elevated ground is composed of the

accumulated debris of many centuries.

1.2. PHA (Parks and Horticultural Authority)

In September 1998, the Parks and Horticultural Authority’s was established by merging the

horticulture wing of the Lahore Development Authority and Metropolitan Corporation, Lahore.

Horticulture had suffered badly due to the extensive roads rehabilitation project in the city, and

the need was felt for a specialized organization to meet the challenge. PHA was assigned the task

to make up for the loss of trees and green belts, and furthermore, to five impetus to the city’s

beautification in the best of its green tradition.

4 Introduction to Jilani Park

Since its creation, the PHA has conducted its activities with great imagination, zeal and

commitment. A distinct and pleasant change has come about in Lahore in these past few years.

And while it has been the result of a multi-pronged effort also involving the improvement of

roads, street lights and traffic management, for almost six years, PHA has played a key role in

this positive transformation, working on many fronts.

Other than its functional success, the PHA has proved to be a trendsetter in financial terms as

well. In 1998, the total revenue for outdoor advertisement generated by LDA and MCL was Rs.

12.5 million. In a short period of less than six years, the marketing wing of the Authority has

raised figure to Rs. 160 million. It has introduced modem concepts like the Government-Private

partnership for public services of the horticulture staff that come their parent civic agencies. All

organizational and developmental expenses met by the funds generated by the Authority itself.

Today’s, Lahore is a city of more than about seven million with complex environmental problem

and civic needs. The challenges to its beauty and green tradition are bigger than they have ever

been through its long and dynamic history. The PHA is working diligently to meet the

challenges, and carry the torch of a charming heritage.

1.3. Achievements:

The Park & Horticulture Authority has emerged as a model organization on many counts. To

begin with is its effectiveness. The fruits of its endeavors are remarkable and visible. It has

beautified roadsides, created and improved parks, planted trees and spread flowers in Lahore.

Over a short span of time, the Authority has systematically expanded the scope of its activities,

in order to better realize its mission statement-marking Lahore greener, brighter and cleaner.

Apart from horticulture, today the PHA contributes in many other ways to Lahore. It made the

famous Food Street in the once-rundown Gawal Mandi, giving the traditional cuisine haunt a

thorough face-lift. The past glory of Old Anarkali and The Mall has successfully been restored.

Dry fountains have been revived and new ones added, sports and recreation facilities provided at

public places. By lighting up important buildings, monuments and landmarks, PHA has made

Lahore a pretty city by night. PHA has also enhanced the useful civic features like road signs,

public toilets, bus stops and flower shops.

5 Introduction to Jilani Park

For public entertainment, PHA organizes a number of festivities and shows. Another important

achievement is outdoor advertisement. The Authority efforts in this direction have not only made

billboards and roadside advertisement more attractive but have also enabled it to generate

enough resources to carry out its multifarious project without any extra burden on public funds.

2. Jilani Park2.1. Location:

Jilani Park (formerly known as Race Course Park) is located in the city of Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. It is on the Jail Road in front of famous Services Hospital. It is famous for its floral exhibitions and artificial waterfall. Annual horse racing competitions are held in this park.

2.2. Description:

The Jillani Park which was also called Race Course Park in the past is truly a sight of heaven. It is basically a family park and a lot of people come here to entertain them. This park has many big grounds and contains a lot of flowers which gives a nice and pleasant fragrance by entering in it. Many people come here early in the morning for a walk, jogging and exercise. And in the evening people come with their families for picnic and enjoy themselves.

2.3. Staff

Project Director

security officer1

Security Guard

65

Sanitary Workers

34

sanitary supervisor

34

General Secretary

Mate

Malli /Water man

117

6 Introduction to Jilani Park

There is one security officer and one sanitary supervisor and 65 security guard and 117 gardeners working for this park.

2.4. Area

This park covers 88 acres and 6 canals containing two cricket grounds, 5 canteens, gym and fitness centers, a study hall, a beautiful lake, small open areas, walking and jogging tracks and a lot of trees, flowers and shrubs.

2.5. Source of Water

The only source of water for the whole park is 4.5 cusec tube well and it distributes water to all the places of park. Water from the tube well is pulled up to an artificially made waterfall and is made to run from there which create a very beautiful scene and that is a very good point of entertainment for the children, youngsters, families and all of the visitors.

The water system (piping system) is separate at different places in the park and 75% of piping is used by the tube well. Which are also used for watering purposes and it also creates a very beautiful view for the visitors.

waterfall

7 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.6. Walkway and Jogging track:

The length of walkway of hard tiles is 5.5 km while jogging track is completely made of clay and its length is approximately 2.75 km and it is one of the larger jogging tracks in Asia which is made up of pure mud and clay only clay. And its maintenance is done properly and is watered 3 times a day, in morning, evening and at night.

Walkway Jogging Track

2.6.1. Maintenance of Jogging Track

The jogging track which is purely made up of mud and clay is kept under eyes for maintenance on daily bases. It is watered three times a day, in the morning in the noon and at the evening, and also it is leveled and monitored regularly and new mud is placed where needed.

Watering of Jogging Track

8 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.7. Landscaping

The style of landscaping in the park is of Japanese nature. Japanese landscape design reflects the pure beauty of nature. There are about 80000 plants & flowers planted in a small area of 6 canals. We took some description and got some introduction about some of those plants. Some of the plants and trees are also imported from the foreign countries. About 200 types of trees and the shrubs are imported which are very rare and expensive. The park has a well collection rare plantation which are very rare and found only in this park and which enhances the park’s status and also increases the beauty of the park.

Plantation in the park

2.7.1. Types of Trees in the park.

There are more than 100 types of trees are in the park which enhance the beauty of the park and attract the peoples. Someone are special for decoration someone are for greenery and some ones are for shelter. Many of them are imported from the different countries like India, China, Japan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia, Egypt, South America, Africa etc.

Different trees in the Park

9 Introduction to Jilani Park

These are the names of some important trees that are available in the park:

Devil’s Tree, Safaida, Shehtoot, Sheesham, Bottle Brush, Ashok, Peepal, Dharaik, Jaman,Patajan, Amaltas, Khatti, Beeri Pata, Indian Willow, Khajoor, Sukh Chain, Khatta, Saru, Simbal,Mulsari, Ulta Ashok. Royal Palm,Neem, Gaab, Gulhar, Kachnar, Pilkan Bohri, Alocha, Bohar, Chirri Poncho, Rubber Plant, Keekar, Cheer, Gulecheen etc.

2.7.2. Types of Shrubs In the park:

More than 100 types of flowers and shrubs are available in the park. Many of them are imported from different countries that mentioned earlier, different flowers are grown in different shapes of land. There are different portion of flowers. Each flower is found in its own portion. In spring when these flowers glooms they present a view like heaven and people enjoyed a lot of their glooming. Some flowers are much in quantity like 80 thousands Batonia fowers are placed at a place which is assumed the Asia’s largest flowers place of Batonia. Rose is also available in Large quantity which Fragrant the park.

Flowers and shrubs

These are names of important shrubs that are available in the park.

Rose, American Daizy, Calerodendrone inermii, Marva, Daronta, Gren Ficus , Motia, Bougainvillea, Chan’ni, Cana, Chambeli, Gardenia, White Kanair, Show Flower, Pink kanair, Table Palm, Hamelia, Double lagerstroemia, Laal aricin, Lantana, Jhumar bail, Kanghi Palm, Scarlet, Khalifa, Kasawa, Cycas etc.

10 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.8. Machinery

The park has one official tractor which is used for different purposes and one Rotavator for leveling the ground. There are a lot of grass cutting machines. This is the machinery which was told us officially.

2.9. Power / Electricity Supply

The park has its own solar power system for lighting purposes. The power supply in the park is naturally and solar energy is being introduced for producing electricity for lightening the ground and whole the park. There are a total of 110 photovoltaic solar panel poles from which there are 77 small photovoltaic poles on walkway and 33 large photovoltaic poles which produces electricity for enlightening whole the park.

Solar Panels Small Pole Large Pole

2.10. Recreational Facilities

Park has a lot of recreational facilities like canteens and cafeterias for refreshing the visitors playing facilities for children for their amazement like slides and see-saws and a very beautiful lake which has its shape like the map of Pakistan for enjoying the true fun of boating.

11 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.10.1. Cradles for children

For the amazement, enjoyment and entertainment of children swings, cradles and slides are installed at different places in the park. Besides entertaining the children these create a very beautiful and attractive look for the park. This attracts the children and families towards them.

Swings for children Cradles and slides for children

2.10.2. Canteens and cafeterias

Canteens and cafeterias are also provided in the park for the refreshment of visitors. These provide quality things to eat to the visitors and fully entertain them. These Canteens and cafeterias also add something in the beauty of the park.

Canteen in the park

12 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.10.3. Lake

A very attractive and a beautiful lake is provided within the park which has a shape like the map of Pakistan which remembers us our nationality enhances our love for Pakistan which is used for bating specially afterwards its water is also used for many purposes

Lake in the park Lake from top view

2.10.4. Artificial Hill

An artificial hill is made behind the lake which is a true point of enjoyment especially for the children. Hill is decorated with the different types of plants and stairs made up of stones are also provided which gives a different look to the hill. Hill has different paths and tracks to climb up, the visitors coming to visit the park also visit the hill necessarily and enjoy climbing. It is also provided with sitting facility, benches are placed for this purpose.

The Hill has two tops and between these two tops a beautiful clock is formed

Hill and the Clock

13 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.11. Description about the Lake Water

The unclear water is flaw which decreases the beauty of the park and the lake. There are many types of waste found in the lake in which empty bottles, rappers, Leaves of trees dust from outside etc. all these things made the water a sludge. The sludge is unpleasant and cause odor problem. The turbidity of the water is very high that is why the water is not so clean. The turbidity is due to the dust and the mud present at the bottom of the lake. When people do boating the mud come up and cause the turbidity. And another reason of the turbidity is that the water stays in the lake for a long time. When water stays for long time algae start to produce on the surface of water. Then this algae don’t allow the light to pass under water which not good for the water and the species in the water. So the algae are also one reason of the lake which should be removed. This water contains very excessive amount of Dissolve solids Nutrients and carbonates which can cause death if unfortunately some drink this water.

2.11.1. Use of lake water

Where lake is used for boating and is a sign of beauty for the park, at the same time its water is also used for different purposes like watering the grounds and the walking track and also for filling the tanks which afterwards are used for watering the plants and grounds which are far from the lake.

For pumping water from the lake a tube well is used.

Tube well for pumping water from the Lake

After pumping water from the lake by a tube well it is spread at different places for watering and filling the tanks.

14 Introduction to Jilani Park

Pumped water for watering Pumped water for filling tanks

2.11.2. Treatment of the water of lake.

The waste like bottle, rappers, leaves should be removed on daily basis from the lake so that they should not deposit in the water and cause the production of sludge on water. If we remove the sludge the odor will automatically removed. Chlorine can be added for the purification and clarity of the water.

To remove the turbidity there should be proper lining of the lake. Whole the should be cleaned after intervals of so that mud could be deposited. According to present situation there should be reconstruction of the lake walls which are damaged. The water should be recycled after specific intervals so that the algae will not produce and the water remain like fresh water. Proper changing of water and maintenance of lake is enhancing the beauty of the park.

2.12. Parking Facility

The park is provided with a wide and large parking facility so that the visitors may not face any kind of difficulty while parking their vehicles and they can enjoy fully without any hesitation or worry about their vehicles. The parking is free for all type of people and is open publically.

Car and bike parking of the Park

15 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.13. Cricket Grounds

There are two main cricket grounds in the park one is larger and the other is smaller, these are adjacent to each other. Both the grounds have lot of trees all around the boundaries which imparts strength to the boundaries as well as these trees are the source of attraction and enhances the beauty of the grounds and the park. Sometimes different domestic cricket tournaments also held in these grounds. Once Quaid – e – Azam trophy is also played in these grounds.

Cricket ground of the park Cricket ground of the park

2.14. Health and fitness facilities

Taking in account the health and fitness facility for the locality, park has 3 gymnasiums from which one is fitness center, one ladies gym and a gent’s gym. The most remarkable thing is that these gymnasiums are totally free and open for public.

2.14.1. Gent’s gymnasium

Gent’s gymnasium is located behind the lake, which is fully equipped with the fitness and exercising machines.

Gym for gents Gym for gents

16 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.14.2. Ladies Fitness Centre

For the security and the privacy of women, the fitness centre for women is totally covered from all the sides. Where women feel free, comfort and ease for exercise.

Fitness centre for ladies Fitness centre for ladies

2.14.3. Training Centre

A training centre is also provided for this purpose where training is given for fitness and health to the new youngsters coming to the gym.

Training Centre

17 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.15. Study Hall

A very beautiful study hall is provided in the park. People can have their individual study as well as they can have a combined study or can discuss their study topics combined in a group. The environment of the study hall is very educational. Different Islamic and general books are provided for the readers and also different kind of news papers are placed there on daily bases which link the readers with whole the world. This study hall is a very positive step in the park which provides the readers a very informative stuff.

Study Hall in the Park

2.16. Mosque

For the religious activities and respecting the religious believes of the visitors a very beautiful and quiet large Masque is also provided in the park. Where prayers are offered five times a day, Jumah Prayer is also offered in the Masque.

Mosque in the Park

18 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.17. VIP’s Visits

Often someone from foreign or the domestic government officer or the political person visit’s the park which shows the importance of the park and it depicts the culture and beauty of the region and the country.

Recently there was a visit of The Chief Ambassador of Indonesia on July 28, 2011. Who visited the park and also gifted 50 plants of “Kesia Galaka” (plant name) and well appreciated the decoration, beauty and, management of the park.

Visit of “The Chief Ambassador of Indonesia” to the park

She also planted one of the plants by her own hands in the park. which is a sign of proud for the park. After that Abdul Jabbar Sheikh (The Director General PHA), also planted one of the plants by his hands, both the plants are planted adjacent to each other.

Planted by The Chief Ambassador of Indonesia Planted by The Director General of PHA

19 Introduction to Jilani Park

2.18. Lahore Race Club

Lahore Race Club, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, is a club concerned with the sport of horse racing, established in 1924 when Lahore was part of the Punjab Province of British India. The club is registered as a company. Some veterans claim that it dates from 1874, but although there were horse races at Lahore during that period the formal record of the present club does not go back so far. It was incorporated on 18 January 1924.

The club's racecourse was initially at Jail Road, Lahore, the current site of Jilani Park. In 1976, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government asked the club to move its races away from the Jail Road course, but it remained there until 1980, when it was compelled to leave. Races were not held for about fifteen months, but in September 1981 the club reinstated its racing programme on a new course at Kot Lakhpat which has a length of 2,254 metres. Since then, it has gained in strength and now organizes, among other races, the Pakistan Derby.

In June 2005, the club hosted Pakistan's first evening horse race under floodlights. The opening ceremony was attended by Pervez Musharraf, President of Pakistan, and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, who had financed the night-racing project, the cost of which was some Rs 30 million.

The chairman of the club is Tariq Aziz, former secretary of the National Security Council of Pakistan and an aide of President Musharraf. All the power used to light the park is solar.

2.19. Effects of Park on Environment

Parks are provided for the Enjoyment and for the fresh environment to the people. This park consist of an area of 88.6 acre which is totally consists of green trees and green plants and grass.

Trees are the part of fresh environment which provides fresh air to the living things. More trees more healthy will be environment so this park is full of green trees which are good for the people of surroundings and itself to the city. Trees cause the rain in the park. This park absorbs the pollution of surroundings and provide little fresh environment outside the park.

Visitors those come to the park absorb fresh air and can easily breathe. Because in the populated areas of Lahore there is congestion of traffic cause pollution so there we cannot take breath easily so people come here and enjoy their life.

This park is also a good habitat for the birds and lot of other species that lives in it. A Lot of birds moves to the green trees because everywhere in the country the trees are cutting. This park also provide the facility of jogging ant walking so people enjoy morning walk and jogging to fit themselves. Over all parks are good for health and for environment if they are proper maintained as Jillani Park.

20 Introduction to Jilani Park

3. Flaws/ suggestions and comments

3.1. Flaws First of all I would like to be in notice of authorities that the stairs of hill

at Racecourse Park are totally in poor condition. The rough edges of the stairs may cause problem for old people and children.

Unwanted weeds and increments of un-trimmed trees present give awkward look to the landscape.

Jogging track is in its crude form when it rains the muddy water comes in the grounds and ruins beauty.

Machinery and other tools are lesser in number.3.2. Suggestions

Water source is only one. That is not sufficient to fulfill water requirements for plants in park.

The dustbins are very less in number, more bins should be installed to keep the park clean.

Canteen and tuck facilities are lesser. Moving of weeds from the sides of jogging track is necessary to enhance

landscape. Benches are not provided under the shades or these are lesser in numbers.

There should at least one bench under a shady tree.3.3. Comments:

Overall the whole environment is healthy and soothing for visitors. Positive thing in racecourse park is it provide and exposure to the different sponsors and also helpful in promoting our traditional game as POLO. Staff and gardeners are helpful in searching data. Authorities are also cooperative. Positive thing here is lots of species of plants, herbs, shrubs and trees are available in a specific area that is positive step for people related to research work. Landscaping is a good achievement for those who design this park.