Secretary Implementation and Coordination S&GAD, Government of Punjab Ehsan Bhutta paid a surprise early morning visit at Chauburji ground to check progress for rehabilitation of the oldest ground of Lahore city which used to produce cricketers legends like Abdul Qadir, Waseem Akram in early 1980s.

It was abandoned for last 8-9 years due to dumping of construction material for Metro bus and Orange line train mega projects.

For the last 3 months Secretary, I&C under Chief Secretary directions started its rehabilitation with the help of DG LDA and DG PHA. LDA removed the junk and heavy machinery aside, and restored the outer wall Along with the grill. PHA levelled the ground, planted grass and plants all around the wall.

In the last few months the department paid hectic continuous efforts to resolve the issues. Later the field officer presented a progress report of rehabilitation efforts ground to Secretary Implementation and Coordination S&GAD, Government of Punjab.

In the briefing, the field officer told that 1.2/3rd ground with grass is growing fine but 1/3rd of ground facing flats was under rainwater for a month and grass has not been grown. Rainwater around the store of machinery and at the lower part is still present, not only hampering the growth of grass but also a breeding ground of mosquitoes/ Dengue which needs immediate removal. Walking/ jogging track around the wall on all sides Along with kids playing area( swings etc) and practice pitches on one side is to be made too.

DG PHA has been requested and they have started to take remedial measures to make this once forgettable ground into a sports and family ground for the residents of one of the oldest colonies of Lahore.

Later the Secretary I&C S&GAD Ehsan Bhutta directed the staff to gear up the process of the rehabilitation. 

It is pertinent to mention that the government officers and employees housing societies were lacking facilities from long ago and hundreds of applications for the amelioration of their residences were pending.

The Nation learned that the Secretary Implementation and Coordination S&GAD, Government of Punjab Ehsan Bhutta paid extra efforts to re-establish the abounded facilities. Bhutta told that he was amazed over the situation of facilities and then took strict actions to get back the facilities in their standard conditions. 

Department just took back charge of the Chauburji community centre, it was locked and in litigations.

The good news is Department won the case of the community centre and now after the refurbishing, it will be open to the public.