LAHORE:
The provincial government has launched a large-scale plantation and environmental protection programme aimed at expanding forests, promoting eco-tourism, and introducing modern monitoring systems. The initiative was formally inaugurated at Jallo by Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat under the Friends of Forest programme.
According to the Forest Department, the Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan Initiative envisions planting more than 51 million trees on 50,869 acres across the province. Under the CM Agroforestry Initiative, another 1.37 million saplings are being planted on 3,790 acres of forest wasteland.
The scope of the Green Pakistan Programme has also been widened, targeting 466 million trees over 251,000 acres. Along irrigation channels, plantation projects are underway covering 10,223 avenue miles, where five million trees will be lined along canal banks.
Beyond plantation, the government is also investing in eco-tourism. At Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range, world-class facilities are being introduced, including wireless networks, GPS devices, CCTV cameras, and digital surveillance systems. Construction has also begun on a LEED-certified eco-friendly multi-storey complex to provide modern facilities for staff and visitors.
To mitigate natural hazards in hilly terrains, the Shielding Summits Programme is being rolled out in Murree and Kahuta. It includes the recruitment of 600 fire watchers, provision of fire vehicles, construction of watch towers, restoration of forest tracks, and building of water tanks to preserve natural springs.
The Forest Department is also embracing technology for real-time protection. Forest DG Azfar Zia stated that a GIS-based protection system is now operational, employing drones, satellites, and LiDAR technology for instant detection of wildfires and encroachments.
A dedicated Digital Communication Cell has been set up, while the Monitoring and Evaluation Wing has been upgraded with modern surveillance tools and additional manpower.
Tree inventories across Punjab are being digitised through GIS-based surveys and digital numbering. To speed up forestry operations, the government has procured new machinery for plantation and other forest-related works.
For round-the-clock vigilance, 104 Forest Command and Control Centres are now functional across the province, significantly strengthening Punjab’s capacity to protect and expand its forests.
Environmental expert Dr Salman Tariq said that while the monsoon season is ideal for tree plantation, it is not feasible during flooding. He warned that saplings submerged in floodwater or without strong roots are likely to be washed away.
Dr Tariq added that although the Forest Department has set an ambitious plantation target, drives in inundated areas will have to wait until the water recedes, which could affect the overall goal.
