Lahore authorities have requested more than Rs1 billion to prepare for the city’s three-day Basant festival in March 2027. The proposed funding will cover security, traffic control, emergency response, sanitation and other essential arrangements.
The district administration has submitted a summary to the Punjab Home Department, seeking Rs1.017 billion in supplementary funds. The festival is scheduled for March 12, 13 and 14, 2027.
How Will Lahore Spend the Proposed Basant Budget?
Several departments have requested allocations to manage different aspects of the celebrations. The Chief Traffic Officer has sought the largest share, amounting to Rs461.8 million, for security and traffic arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab has proposed an allocation of Rs200 million. The district administration has also been recommended Rs199.8 million to cover emergency and unforeseen expenses.
Other departments have submitted the following funding requests:
- Punjab Mass Transit Authority: Rs98.9 million for Basant-related arrangements.
- Lahore DIG Operations: Rs28.6 million for security measures.
- Walled City of Lahore Authority: Rs18.5 million for festival arrangements.
- Lahore Waste Management Company: Rs5.5 million for cleanliness.
- Civil Defence: Rs3.36 million for its responsibilities during the festival.
- Rescue 1122: Rs600,000 for emergency response arrangements.
These proposed allocations cover a range of services needed to manage large crowds and maintain public safety throughout the celebrations.
Security, Traffic and Emergency Services Take Priority
The administration plans to establish control rooms, checking points and field camps across relevant locations. Authorities also intend to monitor rooftops as part of their security arrangements.
In addition, traffic management teams will work to regulate movement during the festival. Emergency services will provide rescue support and medical assistance, while sanitation teams will help keep the city clean.
Public awareness campaigns will also form part of the preparations. These measures aim to coordinate different departments and address potential risks during the three-day event.
Crackdown Planned on Banned Kites and Strings
Alongside the festival preparations, Lahore’s district administration plans to take action against the manufacture, sale and use of banned kites and kite strings. The measure aims to protect public safety during Basant celebrations.
Authorities will coordinate security checks and other field activities as part of the broader arrangements. However, the proposed funding will also cover essential services, including emergency response, cleanliness and traffic management.
Unspent Funds Must Return to the Government
The proposed Rs1.017 billion will serve as the overall financial limit for Basant-related arrangements, according to the available details. Departments will use the approved funds to meet expenses associated with their assigned responsibilities.
Any money left unspent must be returned to the government. The funding request outlines the financial requirements for preparations ahead of Lahore’s scheduled March 2027 Basant festival.
The proposed allocation covers security, transport, emergency services and municipal arrangements, with multiple departments seeking funds to support the celebrations.
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