Friends of Forest Program Launched in Punjab
LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched the “Friends of Forest” program in Jallo, under the chairmanship of Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Kanwal Liaqat. The initiative marks a major step towards expanding forest cover, promoting eco-tourism, and adopting modern technologies for forest protection across the province.
As part of the Chief Minister’s “Plant for Pakistan” initiative, the Forest Department has unveiled a comprehensive plantation plan to plant 51 million trees over 50,869 acres of land. Similarly, under the CM Agroforestry Initiative, 1.375 million trees are being planted across 3,790 acres of forest wasteland. The Green Pakistan Program has also been expanded, with afforestation activities ongoing across 251,000 acres, where nearly 466 million trees are being planted.
The government has also launched a major drive to plant five million trees along 10,223 avenue miles of canal banks across Punjab. In addition, eco-tourism facilities of international standards are being introduced at Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range. These include wireless networks, GPS devices, digital cameras, and CCTV systems to enhance monitoring and visitor safety.
In line with global standards, the Forest Department has also begun construction of an environmentally friendly LEED-certified multi-storey building for staff, equipped with modern facilities. To prevent disasters in the hilly areas of Murree and Kahuta, a “Shielding Summits” program has been initiated, which includes the recruitment of 600 fire watchers, provision of fire vehicles, and construction of watchtowers. Restoration of forest tracks and construction of water tanks for natural springs are also part of the plan.
Highlighting the technological edge of the program, Director General Forests Azfar Zia announced the introduction of a GIS-based protection system that will use drones, satellite imagery, and LIDAR technology to immediately detect forest fires and encroachments. A Digital Communication Cell has been established, while the Monitoring and Evaluation Wing of the Forest Department is being upgraded with advanced surveillance equipment and additional staff.
DG Forests further stated that digital enumeration of trees has already begun across Punjab, with a GIS-based survey ensuring transparency and accountability. He added that modern machinery has been procured to accelerate plantation and forestry operations. To strengthen enforcement, 104 Forest Command and Control Centers are being established across the province to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of forest resources.
Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat emphasized that under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, these initiatives will not only expand Punjab’s green cover but also boost eco-tourism and ensure sustainable management of natural resources for future generations.
