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Parks and Public Spaces in Larkana: Enhancing Urban Greenery and Community Well-Being

Parks and public spaces in Larkana play a vital role in shaping the city’s health, culture, and environment. Known historically as the “Garden City” or “Eden of Sindh”, Larkana has always relied on greenery to balance rapid urbanization and rising pollution. As the fourth-largest city in Sindh, Pakistan, with a population projected at over 544,200 (2020), Larkana faces climate challenges such as heatwaves, air pollution, and urban sprawl.

To tackle these, Larkana Municipal Corporation (LMC) is revitalizing parks and public spaces. These green lungs not only improve air quality and biodiversity but also provide safe recreational spaces for families, youth, and tourists. Popular areas like Jinnah Park and Shahnawaz Children Park already attract residents, but issues like encroachment and poor maintenance highlight the need for stronger municipal efforts.

Mission of Larkana Municipal Corporation for Parks and Public Spaces

This mission aligns with the Urban Development Strategy for Larkana (2013–2033), which emphasizes restoring Larkana’s green legacy while meeting modern needs like heatwave mitigation, equitable park access, and sustainable city growth. The mission of the Larkana Municipal Corporation is to develop safe, green, and inclusive spaces that:

Improve Quality

Improve the quality of life for residents.

Community Engagement

Enhance community engagement and recreational opportunities.

Urban Biodiversity

Conserve urban biodiversity and promote ecological balance.

Sustainable Development

Support sustainable development and tourism.

Key Initiatives for Developing and Maintaining Parks in Larkana

To achieve its mission, the Larkana Municipal Corporation, with support from the Sindh government and private partners, is implementing several projects. These initiatives are backed by GIS-based studies and urban planning frameworks.

Restoration of Existing Parks

  • Revitalizing historic parks like Zulfiqar Bagh, Jinnah Park, Shahnawaz Bhutto Children Park, Railway Park, and Rice Canal Park.
  • Upgrading walkways, seating, playgrounds, and lighting to attract families.
  • Adding new amenities such as open-air theaters.
  • A PKR 125 million budget allocated for repairs and phased upgrades to counter encroachment and protect heritage sites.

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Development of New Public Spaces

  • Creation of new family parks in underserved neighborhoods like UC-3 and UC-5.
  • Use of vacant government land to expand public access.
  • Ongoing projects include: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari People’s Park (PKR 115 million) Bakhtawar People’s Park at Moen-jo-Daro (PKR 641 million)
  • Future developments: zoo, amusement water park, and tourism complexes near Airport Road under PPP (public-private partnership) models.

Green Belt Development

  • Expanding urban greenery along roads and canals such as Rice Canal, VIP Road, and Larkana–Ratodero Road.
  • Over 113 km of plantations with native trees like neem, gulmohar, and shisham.
  • Forest protection in eastern talukas (25,532 hectares) and wetland conservation projects.
  • Use of geo-referenced demarcation to prevent illegal cutting and thinning.

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Community Involvement

  • Engagement of Community Citizen Boards (CCBs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
  • Residents’ participation in tree plantations, park maintenance, and disaster risk drills.
  • Education and awareness programs to instill a sense of ownership.
  • Proposals for fee-based sustainability models to maintain parks long-term.

Sustainable Landscaping

  • Use of native plant species and water-efficient landscaping.
  • Reuse of treated wastewater for park irrigation.
  • Installation of solar-powered lighting and eco-friendly infrastructure.
  • Integration of 4R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reject) in park management.

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Objectives for Greener Public Spaces in Larkana

The objectives of Larkana Municipal Corporation (LMC) are focused on long-term sustainability:

  • Increase green cover across the city and Sindh province to support climate resilience.
  • Provide safe and inclusive recreational spaces for families, youth, and tourists.
  • Promote urban biodiversity by protecting wetlands, forests, and native flora.
  • Encourage civic pride and community responsibility in maintaining parks.
  • Position Larkana as a tourism-friendly, green destination in Sindh.

Conclusion: Larkana’s Parks as Community Lifelines

Parks and public spaces in Larkana are more than just green patches—they are community lifelines. They support health, strengthen social ties, and preserve cultural heritage. With strategic investments by the Larkana Municipal Corporation, including restoration projects, new park developments, and eco-friendly landscaping, the city is building a future where greenery thrives despite urban pressures. By combining government leadership, community participation, and sustainable urban planning, Larkana is reclaiming its title as the “Eden of Sindh.” These initiatives not only enhance the city’s environment but also make it a more attractive, healthy, and livable place for residents and visitors alike.