Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that government is committed to eliminating pollution and providing a clean ecosystem to the coming generations.
In her message on the International Day of Forests, she appealed to the people plant trees, "whether they expect to sit in its shade or not".
"Children should plant trees in the name of their parents and teachers. The existence of forests is a lifeline for the environment, economy and citizens. Tree plantation is indispensable to coping with the effects of climate change. Plant trees and dispel the hazards of smog," she stated.
She said 1.5 million saplings would be planted across the province during the spring plantation drive. Under the Chief Minister's 'Plant for Pakistan' campaign, 4.4 million saplings will be planted. Under the 'Green Pakistan' programme, more than 3.4 million saplings will be planted.
More than 1.4 million saplings will be planted in agro-forests across the province. 5.5 million saplings have been provided to the health, education and other institutions for plantation. For the first time, trees will also be planted on uninhabited government land.
Plantation will be carried out on 3,700 acres of land in Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Sargodha along the Indus River in addition to 1,500 acres in Ghazi Ghat and Muzaffargarh.
Saplings will be planted on 444 acres of land in Sheikhupura and on the banks of River Ravi in Lahore. Plantation will also be done in areas adjacent to the Chenab River in Gujrat and on vacant land in Gujranwala, Changa Manga, Chichawatni, Attock, Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan.
She added that the 161-year-old Forest Department in Punjab is being equipped with information technology. GIS, remote sensing, high-resolution mapping and drone technology have been introduced.
Satellite and drone technology will make it possible to identify changes in the forests in a timely manner.
High-resolution 3D mapping of the forests of Murree and Changa Manga has been completed.
The CM said, "Monitoring of encroachments in the forests and forest health monitoring will be possible with the help of drone technology. Thermal sensors will be used to protect forests and wildlife. A compartment-level forest mapping is being done to earmark the boundaries of forests. A mobile app has been launched for monitoring and inspection of field staff of the forest department."
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