The Lahore district administration has sought more than Rs1.017 billion in supplementary funds for arrangements for the three-day Basant festival scheduled for March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, it was on Friday.
According to details, the district administration has forwarded a summary to the Punjab Home Department seeking the release of funds for security, traffic management, emergency services, cleanliness and other arrangements during the festival.
The Chief Traffic Officer has sought Rs461.8 million for security and traffic arrangements, while Rs200 million has been proposed for the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab.
The district administration has also been recommended Rs199.8 million to meet emergency and unforeseen expenses.
The Punjab Mass Transit Authority has requested Rs98.9 million for Basant-related arrangements, while the Lahore DIG Operations has sought Rs28.6 million for security measures.
The proposed allocations also included Rs18.5 million for the Walled City of Lahore Authority and Rs5.5 million for the Lahore Waste Management Company to ensure cleanliness during the celebrations.
Civil Defence has sought Rs3.36 million, while Rescue 1122 has requested Rs600,000 for emergency response arrangements.
The funds would be used to establish control rooms, checking points and field camps, as well as monitor rooftops.
Other planned activities included traffic management, rescue services, medical assistance, sanitation and public awareness campaigns.
The city district management will also take action against the manufacture, sale and use of banned kites and kite strings to ensure public safety during the festival.
The sources said that the proposed amount will serve as the overall financial limit for the arrangements, and any unspent funds will have to be returned to the government.
