Punjab launches province-wide satellite system to protect forests

The Punjab government has introduced a province-wide satellite monitoring system for forests, marking a significant technological advancement in environmental governance. Officials describe the initiative as the first coordinated digital surveillance mechanism for forests in the province.

Aurangzeb highlighted that the satellite-based information will also support the planning of afforestation drives and wildlife conservation initiatives. Remote sensing technology will allow accurate assessments of environmental shifts, fire incidents, and associated losses, helping authorities respond more effectively to threats.

For the first time, the system will compile a comprehensive electronic record of forest land across Punjab. According to Aurangzeb, this digital archive will help prevent manipulation, encroachment, or unauthorized changes to forest boundaries. Satellite imagery will also assist in identifying optimal locations for future plantation campaigns, ensuring that upcoming afforestation efforts are more targeted and impactful.

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She stated that the success of this digital monitoring initiative will be assessed through specific performance indicators, particularly the effectiveness of automated reporting and digital oversight. The system continuously records and analyzes changes within forest areas using remote sensing technology and provides instant alerts on unauthorized activities or environmental disturbances, a feature that was not available in the past.

She further noted that the system operates autonomously, relying exclusively on satellite and drone data. It has been designed to be tamper-proof, ensuring that no individual or political actor can alter or manipulate the information. This, she said, guarantees the integrity, transparency, and objectivity of forest monitoring across the province.