Lahore: Acting on the directives of the Chief Minister, the Punjab government has launched a large-scale plantation and environmental conservation programme under the “Friends of Forest” banner. The initiative is designed to increase tree cover, promote eco-tourism, and improve forest protection through modern monitoring technologies.
The drive was formally inaugurated at Jallo by Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat. Under the Chief Minister’s “Plant for Pakistan” scheme, over 51 million trees are set to be planted across 50,869 acres. Parallel efforts under the CM Agroforestry Initiative include the cultivation of 1.37 million saplings on nearly 3,800 acres of barren forest land. In addition, the Green Pakistan Programme has been scaled up with a target of 466 million trees over 251,000 acres, while five million saplings will be planted along more than 10,000 miles of canal banks.
Eco-tourism development is also a key focus, with new facilities planned at Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range. A LEED-certified eco-friendly complex is under construction to house both visitors and staff. Supporting infrastructure includes wireless connectivity, GPS tracking, CCTV systems, and digital surveillance for effective management.
In hill stations such as Murree and Kahuta, the “Shielding Summits” programme has been initiated to mitigate natural hazards. This includes the induction of 600 fire watchers, deployment of fire-fighting vehicles, construction of watchtowers, restoration of forest trails, and the installation of water tanks to safeguard natural springs.
The Forest Department is adopting high-tech monitoring solutions, including a GIS-based system with drones, satellites, and LiDAR to detect wildfires and encroachments at an early stage. Forestry records are being digitised, while operations are being mechanised with modern equipment. A province-wide network of 104 command and control centres is now functional to ensure round-the-clock vigilance.
Forest Director General Azfar Zia said these innovations would considerably enhance real-time protection and management of forest resources. Environmental expert Dr. Salman Tariq, while welcoming the scale of the plan, advised caution against planting in flood-hit areas, warning that saplings risk being washed away before taking root. He urged delaying drives in inundated regions until water levels subside.
Officials stressed that the campaign underlines the Punjab government’s resolve to strengthen climate resilience, protect natural ecosystems, and promote environmentally responsible tourism.