Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is mobilising all the relevant institutions to ensure safe Basant celebrations for all, she announced free travel facilities would be provided on 500 buses over three days.
The Chief Minister stressed that the provincial government is determined to revive Punjab’s cultural traditions while prioritising public safety and security.
Maryam Nawaz, speaking at a review meeting of the kite festival in Lahore, said that Punjab’s culture will be promoted in a meaningful and a vibrant way, adding that the government seeks to bring joy back to the people of Punjab.
During the three days of Basant over 500 buses will be providing free travel facilities. Other than these buses, Metro buses, Orange Line Train and electric buses will also be operating free of charge during Basant.
To ensure safety and security for all Maryam Nawaz further said that the Punjab government will be distributing one million safety rods to motorcycle riders to prevent accidents caused by sharp kite strings. She also warned that the people who will use illegal dangerous kite strings will be imprisoned for up to 5 years.
It was also announced by her that entry into red zones without safety rods will be prohibited during the festival.
Lastly, the Chief Minister said that the government had eliminated the atmosphere of unrest, riots and disorder in Punjab and that Basant will be celebrated responsibly while ensuring public safety and preserving cultural heritage.
This year for the first time, an organised and government sponsored Basant will be celebrated on February 6, 7 and 8.
What is the Basant festival?
The beautiful festival of Basant began 800 years ago. The purpose of the festival was to announce and celebrate the arrival of spring. Basant is very important to the culture and heritage of Punjab.
Also read: CM Maryam reviews Basant preparations, praises officials
