LESCO Rolls Out 27-Point Safety and Power Strategy for Basant in Lahore

LAHORE:

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has submitted a comprehensive 27-point plan to the Lahore High Court (LHC) to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and public safety during the Basant festivities.

Under the plan, a Central Control and Command Centre will operate at LESCO headquarters, while an additional control room will be set up at the Commissioner’s Office to ensure close coordination with the provincial government. Both facilities will function round the clock, with Sub-Divisional Officers deployed in three shifts for continuous monitoring.

To maintain uninterrupted power in the Walled City, a dedicated control system will be established under the Data Darbar Division. All operational and field staff have been placed on high alert throughout the festival period.

For public safety, Executive Engineers will remain on duty 24/7 at all 132 kV grid stations, and LESCO’s complaint helpline 111 will stay fully operational. Contact details of all 136 Executive Engineers and SDOs have been shared with Assistant Commissioners for swift coordination.

LESCO has prioritised infrastructure safety, directing staff not to remove kite strings from power lines without first shutting off electricity to prevent accidents. Special surveys in high-risk commercial areas — including Shah Alam Market, Liberty Market, Ichhra Bazaar and Moon Market — identified damaged wiring, leading to the replacement of 46 high-risk electricity poles.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has announced free public transport during Basant in collaboration with the Punjab Mass Transit Authority. Basant celebrations have been permitted from February 6 to 8 exclusively in Lahore, under strict legal, administrative and safety measures.

The festival’s revival follows the enforcement of the Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025, introducing stringent controls on kite size, string material, rooftop access and sound systems. Kite flying will be allowed only within Lahore’s district limits and only on the designated dates.

Authorities have also introduced mandatory digital registration for kite manufacturers and sellers via the e-Biz application and basant.punjab.gov.pk, while the playing of 132 objectionable Punjabi songs has been banned to maintain public order and decency.