The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has officially barred all temporary amusement rides and swings from public parks across Lahore during the upcoming Eidul Azha holidays. The decision, communicated to all zonal directors, aims to prevent accidents and ensure visitor safety during the high-traffic festive period.
For years, local contractors have set up makeshift merry-go-rounds, jumping castles, and Ferris wheels in major recreational spots like Jallo Park and Race Course Park. These installations often operate without rigorous safety inspections, leaving families vulnerable to mechanical failure or structural collapse. “We aren’t taking risks this year,” a senior PHA official told reporters on the condition of anonymity.
“The history of these temporary setups is marred by technical lapses. We’ve directed field staff to clear all such encroachments immediately.” The ban comes after internal audits flagged these rides as significant liability concerns. While popular with children, the lack of standardized maintenance logs and professional operator training has long been a point of contention between park management and private contractors.
This directive creates a logistical challenge for the Authority.
With Eidul Azha expected to draw record crowds to city parks, officials must now ensure that private operators comply with the removal orders before the first day of the holiday. Failure to vacate, the PHA warned, will result in immediate confiscation of equipment and heavy fines. Regular visitors to Lahore’s green spaces have expressed mixed reactions. While some parents welcome the focus on safety, others worry that the parks will lose a primary source of entertainment for children during the break. Despite the backlash from contractors, the PHA appears firm.
The Authority has signaled that it will prioritize open spaces and pedestrian flow over the revenue generated by these temporary permits, marking a shift toward a more regulated visitor experience in the city’s public parks.
