Punjab unveils forest expansion strategy

The Punjab Forest Department has announced an ambitious strategy to significantly expand the province's forest cover in 2026, with plans to plant 31 million saplings and restore thousands of acres of degraded land as part of a multi-billion-rupee environmental conservation programme.

The large-scale tree-planting campaign will commence with the onset of the monsoon and forms part of the provincial government's wider efforts to combat climate change, reduce environmental pollution and enhance ecological sustainability.

Under the initiative, the department has set a target of restoring forests across 7,000 acres in southern Punjab, while Rs8 billion has been allocated for afforestation and forest rehabilitation projects throughout the province.

As part of the 'Plant for Punjab' campaign, the government also plans to establish 350 urban mini forests and develop 200 new public parks to expand green spaces, improve air quality and mitigate the effects of rising temperatures in urban areas.

Particular emphasis has been placed on Rawalpindi Division, where forest cover in the four hilly tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta and Kallar Syedan is to be substantially expanded

Officials said barren and uncultivated land in these areas would be converted into forest plantations to strengthen biodiversity, protect watersheds and enhance the local environment.

The programme also includes plans to expand forested areas in Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum, including the development and enhancement of protected forests and land adjoining national parks.

To improve forest management and prevent illegal encroachments, the department has established a dedicated forest protection force and introduced Punjab's first Digital Forest Inventory System, enabling advanced mapping, monitoring and management of forest resources through digital technology.

Officials further said the provincial government's latest budget allocates billions of rupees to new forestry projects, conservation measures and environmental protection initiatives aimed at increasing green cover across Punjab.

According to the Regional Forest Officer, Rawalpindi, expanding forest cover would improve environmental conditions, reduce the intensity of heatwaves and contribute to a healthier climate.

"We have also constructed large water reservoirs within forest areas so that, in the event of a wildfire, water can be drawn immediately from these reservoirs to assist firefighting operations," the official said.