Anti-smog, urban forestry drives to launch in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Wildlife and Fisheries Mohammad Sabtain Khan, during a meeting on Thursday, directed authorities to kick-start the anti-smog and urban forestry drives in the province.

Secretary Forest Mohammad Asif, Deputy Secretary Muhammad Shahid, Chief Conservator Shajjad Hussain Shirazi and other chief officers of the department of forest and wildlife attended the meeting. Asif briefed the provincial minister about the department’s progress on the 100-day plan.

The minister was informed that approximately 2,500 large plants would be planted in districts across Punjab. Asif said as many 575,690 plants would be planted in 2019, while 1.567 million large plants would be planted in 2020 in Punjab. He also informed the minister that 40,000 large plants would be planted in all cities. In big cities, the number of plants would be increased.

The meeting was informed that the forest department would monitor the project through the geographic information system (GIS) lab.

Addressing the meeting, the provincial minister said special attention should be given to the care of the plants. “Smog is a very important and serious problem by which many cities of the world are affected. Plantation can play important role in the prevention of environmental pollution. Our aim is to bring green revolution in the province,” he said. “The change should be visible to the people. We have to work hard and sincerely for this purpose.”

The minister also expressed concern over the incident of wood theft and cutting of trees. He directed the authorities to take strict action against the responsible people.