LAHORE, Nov 05 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide crackdown on crop residue burning, warning deputy commissioners (DCs), particularly in Okara and other affected districts, over their failure to prevent the practice. Chairing a special meeting to review the performance of deputy commissioners, here on Thursday, the CM also expressed displeasure over delays and substandard work on beautification projects, directing district administrations to ensure quality, sustainability …
CM Maryam directs DCs to improve public services, complete beautification projects on time
LAHORE, Nov 05 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide crackdown on crop residue burning, warning deputy commissioners (DCs), particularly in Okara and other affected districts, over their failure to prevent the practice.
Chairing a special meeting to review the performance of deputy commissioners, here on Thursday, the CM also expressed displeasure over delays and substandard work on beautification projects, directing district administrations to ensure quality, sustainability and timely completion.
Punjab Performance Management Unit Head and Special Assistant Shoaib Mirza presented district-wise key performance indicators (KPIs), while the chief minister appreciated the performance of the administrations of Murree, Gujranwala, Attock, Bahawalpur, Chakwal, Jhelum, Layyah and Sahiwal.
The CM directed the establishment of dedicated governance and road maintenance squads to inspect public facilities and ensure corrective measures within 12 hours. She also ordered the installation of fountains and other water features in beautification projects and stressed that streetlights must remain functional, manholes properly covered and zebra crossings and school safety arrangements improved.
Giving deputy commissioners three days to improve conditions at public hospitals, she directed DCs and assistant commissioners (ACs) to visit hospitals daily and ensure deep cleaning. She also ordered daily washing of roads across the province.
The ACs were further directed to restore non-functional water filtration plants, while district administrations were asked to ensure the repair, maintenance and cleanliness of general bus terminals and Green Bus shelters.
The meeting approved a three-step mechanism to prevent vacant plots from being used as garbage dumping sites, under which owners would first receive a warning, followed by a heavy fine for a second violation and registration of an FIR in case of a third offence.
The CM also ordered a province-wide operation against encroachments and directed the removal of wall chalking, torn banners and small advertising posters from public spaces. She called for effective measures to control stray dogs across Punjab. “Proper lane markings, freshly painted buildings and clean roads are essential for a well-maintained city. Any negligence by deputy commissioners or the district administration directly affects the government’s image and reputation,” she said.
Directing district administrations to strengthen public engagement, the chief minister asked DCs to visit universities and colleges to brief students on ongoing development projects and government schemes. She also instructed every district to prepare a District Economic Plan to promote local economic activity.
The meeting reviewed beautification projects in Khanewal’s Akbar Bazaar, Mian Channu’s Main Bazaar and Allah Dad Bazaar in Jahanian. Projects in Sheikhupura, including Main Bazaar, Akbar Bazaar, Humayun Bazaar, Chhota Adda Bazaar and Safdarabad, as well as Sharaqpur and Muridke, also came under review.
The Gujranwala administration was appreciated for its beautification initiatives, while projects in Eminabad, Kamoke and Nowshera Virkan were reviewed. The chief minister directed the completion of four beautification plans in Nankana Sahib by November and asked the Rawalpindi administration to focus on green belts while reviewing five projects in the city. She also directed the Gujrat deputy commissioner to incorporate new schemes into development projects.
Expressing dissatisfaction over deviations from approved plans in Rahim Yar Khan, the chief minister ordered that food streets and food carts be handed over to capable individuals and companies.
The meeting also reviewed district performance in eBiz, dog-bite incidents, Suthra Punjab, hospitals, schools, price control, road and street safety, public facilities, development monitoring, regulation and enforcement, urban management, public spaces and citizen services.
The CM directed all district administrations to improve service delivery and warned that poor performance would not be tolerated.
