RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Municipality has launched a Rs 74,000 crore project to clean up the city’s 78 cemeteries, which were overgrown with thick undergrowth, making them look like dense forests.

The project includes clearing sidewalks, repairing lighting and arranging proper drainage. Due to the abundance of wild herbs and self-growing grass and trees, some of the cemeteries had turned into dense forests. After weeding and cleaning, the cemeteries will be sprayed three times with herbicide to prevent weeds from growing again. The project is expected to be completed within the next 15 days.

According to the Chief Officer of Municipal Corporation, Imran Ali, after a survey, a comprehensive clean-up plan was prepared and presented to the commissioner. The plan includes pruning, repairing paved roads leading to the graves and making the lighting system fully functional.

Weeding, tree felling and road cleaning are being carried out at 78 large and small cemeteries in 46 local councils including Rata Amaral, Pirwudhai, Dhok Khaba, Dhok Elahi Bakhsh, Sadiqabad and Rawal Road.

The official mentioned that his year’s contract for cleaning, pruning and spraying was awarded at a rate 25% lower than last year despite the increase in the number of cemeteries within the municipal corporation limits. The contract of Rs97,000 was awarded for Rs74,000. Technical bids were also invited from individuals and companies involved in the tender process and the contract was awarded to the company that met the merit.

Payment to the contractor is made after third party validation.