Punjab digital forest inventory planned

LAHORE:

The Punjab Forest Department is converting its over a century old record into a digital inventory.

According to Punjab Forests Director General Azfar Zia, high-resolution digital mapping of 621,000 acres has been completed with an accuracy of up to eight centimetres.

More than 200 drones are being used for monitoring to detect changes in forest cover, identify diseased trees and assess fire risks.

The official said a large-scale plantation initiative using seed-ball drones would also be launched.

He further said seven GIS-based digital dashboards have been developed, providing consolidated data of forests across the province.

Technology has also been used to estimate biomass and carbon stock over more than 16,000 acres, enabling accurate data collection without cutting trees.

DG Azfar Zia said artificial intelligence was also being used for tree counting with an accuracy of over 80 per cent.

Satellite monitoring has enabled immediate detection of illegal logging, encroachments and changes in forest areas.

Officials said a central control room and command and control centres are operational round the clock for forest monitoring, while an emergency helpline has also been activated. Thermal systems and 46 long-range cameras are being installed to enhance surveillance.