Punjab Leverages AI and Drone Technology to Protect Forests
The International Day of Forests, observed annually on March 21, is being marked this year under the theme “Forests and Economy.” On this occasion, it is important to highlight the major initiatives undertaken by the Punjab government over the past year to protect and sustainably manage its forest resources.
GIS-Based Mapping and Digital Forest Inventory
The Punjab Forest Department is modernizing over a century-old record system by developing a comprehensive digital forest inventory. Using geospatial data, GPS, UAV drones, and satellite technology, high-resolution multi-scale forest mapping is being carried out to accurately define forest boundaries. So far, digital mapping of approximately 621,000 acres has been completed at an impressive resolution of 8 centimeters.
Advanced Drone Technology for Monitoring
The department is actively using more than 200 modern drones for forest surveillance. Hyperspectral drones are used to monitor environmental changes, multispectral drones help identify diseased trees, and thermal drones assist in detecting wildfires. Additionally, large-scale plantation through seed-ball drones is set to begin soon across the province.
GIS-Based Management Dashboards
Seven GIS-based dashboards have been developed to support forest management. These platforms consolidate and digitally record data from forests across Punjab, enabling efficient monitoring and decision-making.
LiDAR Technology for Biomass Estimation
For the first time in Pakistan, the Punjab Forest Department has introduced LiDAR technology to estimate forest biomass and carbon stock. Unlike traditional methods that required cutting tree trunks, LiDAR enables high-definition 3D biomass estimation without damaging trees. So far, surveys covering over 16,000 acres have been completed.
Pakistan’s First GIS Mobile Lab
A state-of-the-art GIS mobile lab has been launched to support digital mapping, thermal surveillance, biomass estimation, and 3D tree visualization. Equipped with drones and power generators, this mobile unit enables rapid and precise field operations.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
The department has introduced an AI-based “Plant Doctor App” to assist plantation enthusiasts in identifying plant species, diagnosing diseases, and suggesting treatments. Furthermore, machine learning and deep learning technologies are being used to remotely count trees using drone imagery, achieving an accuracy rate of over 80 percent.
Satellite-Based Forest Monitoring
High-resolution satellite imagery is being used for real-time monitoring of forests. This allows authorities to detect illegal logging, encroachments, and other threats promptly. Forest change detection technology is also helping track variations in forest cover over time and assess the impact of illegal activities.
Centralized Control Room and Emergency Response
A central coordination control room operates 24/7 to monitor forests across the province. It issues wildfire alerts and ensures rapid coordination between forest forces, field staff, and rescue teams in case of emergencies. A dedicated emergency helpline (1084) has also been launched for public reporting.
Command and Control Centers
Forest Command and Control Centers have been established across Punjab to ensure quick emergency response through modern technologies such as firefighting drones, AI-based fire detection systems, sensors, and early warning mechanisms. Forest check posts are also being set up under this initiative.
Thermal Surveillance and Long-Range Cameras
In a significant step towards real-time monitoring, 46 long-range cameras along with advanced thermal surveillance systems are being installed across forests in the province.
Amendments to Punjab Forest Act 1927
The Punjab government has introduced amendments to the Forest Act of 1927, with the Forest Amendment Act 2025 now in force. Under the new law, Forest Protection Centers and a dedicated Forest Protection Force have been established. Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) are now authorized to register FIRs. Penalties for damaging forests have been increased to up to 7 years imprisonment and fines of Rs. 5 million, while organized forest crimes may result in up to 10 years imprisonment.
“Shielding Summits” Disaster Preparedness Initiative
This project focuses on preventing and managing wildfires in forest-rich areas such as Murree and Kahuta. It includes community training, restoration of inspection roads, procurement of firefighting equipment, and 24/7 monitoring through control rooms. As a result, wildfire incidents have decreased by 62 percent.
Afforestation Targets and Agroforestry Initiatives
The government has set a target to plant 42.499 million trees over 50,869 acres. Additionally, under the agroforestry initiative, 1.375 million trees will be planted over 3,790 acres of forest wetlands to make unutilized land productive.
Punjab has also launched its largest-ever Spring Tree Plantation Campaign 2026, aiming to plant 14 million trees at over 100 locations. Each plant is being geo-tagged to ensure effective monitoring and maintenance.
Overall, these initiatives reflect a strong commitment by the Punjab government to integrate technology, policy reforms, and community engagement for sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.
