Massive Green Push in Punjab: 42 Million Trees and Eco-Tourism Development Underway

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed her administration’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, stating that the recently announced provincial budget reflects a clear eco-friendly agenda. Key initiatives under the Punjab Green Program are being implemented to combat climate change and promote long-term sustainable development across the province.

In a statement on Saturday, the Chief Minister highlighted the launch of a large-scale tree plantation drive under the “Chief Minister’s Plant for Pakistan” campaign. The program aims to plant 42 million trees across 50,869 acres, while an additional 1.375 million trees are being planted on 3,790 acres of forest wasteland as part of the CM Agroforestry Initiative.

She also announced the expansion of the Green Pakistan Program, under which 466.463 million trees will be planted over 251,000 acres. In a separate initiative, five million trees are being planted in rows along more than 10,000 miles of canal banks throughout Punjab.

To support eco-tourism and biodiversity preservation, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz revealed that world-class facilities are being introduced in Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range. These upgrades include wireless connectivity, GPS systems, CCTV surveillance, and digital monitoring tools. The government is also constructing a LEED-certified eco-friendly multi-storey building to serve as a protected nature zone with modern research and staff facilities.

In response to fire and disaster risks in hilly regions, the government has initiated the Shielding Summits Program in Murree and Kahuta. The initiative includes the deployment of 600 fire watchers, new firefighting vehicles, watch towers, and enhanced disaster response systems. Efforts are also underway to restore forest tracks and construct springwater tanks to protect natural resources.

CM Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the integration of modern technology into forest conservation. A GIS-based real-time monitoring system using drones, satellites, and LIDAR technology has been launched to detect forest fires and illegal encroachments. A Digital Communication Cell has been established within the Forest Department, equipped with upgraded monitoring tools and additional staff.

To further strengthen forest management, digital tree enumeration and GIS-based surveys are being conducted, and advanced forestry machinery has been procured to accelerate plantation and field operations. Additionally, the establishment of 104 Forest Command & Control Centers across Punjab will ensure continuous monitoring and protection of green areas.

The Chief Minister reiterated that these extensive environmental measures showcase the government’s firm dedication to building climate resilience and ensuring a cleaner, greener future for the people of Punjab.