LAHORE — In a sweeping environmental initiative, Punjab province has rolled out the comprehensive ‘Friends of Forest’ program designed to dramatically expand forest coverage, strengthen ecological protection, and develop sustainable tourism opportunities across the region.
Massive Plantation Goals
The campaign, officially launched at Jallo by Parliamentary Secretary for Forests Kanwal Liaqat, represents one of Pakistan’s most ambitious reforestation efforts. The multi-faceted initiative encompasses several key programs:
Plant for Pakistan Initiative: This flagship program will see over 51 million trees planted across 50,869 acres of land, marking a significant expansion of Punjab’s green infrastructure.
CM Agroforestry Programme: Focused on transforming unused land, this component involves cultivating 1.37 million saplings across 3,790 acres of previously barren wasteland.
Green Pakistan Programme: The largest component targets an impressive 466 million trees spanning 251,000 acres, alongside planting five million trees along 10,223 miles of canal banks to create green corridors throughout the province.
Technology-Driven Forest Protection
The initiative incorporates cutting-edge monitoring systems to ensure forest preservation. Advanced wireless networks, GPS tracking devices, comprehensive CCTV surveillance, and digital monitoring platforms will provide unprecedented oversight of forest areas.
A sophisticated GIS-based monitoring system utilizing drones, satellite imagery, and LiDAR technology will enable rapid detection of wildfires and illegal encroachments. The program includes digitization of tree inventories and deployment of modern machinery to accelerate forestry operations.
To maintain round-the-clock vigilance, Punjab has established a network of 104 command-and-control centers providing 24/7 forest monitoring across the province.
Eco-Tourism Development
The program prioritizes sustainable tourism development with new visitor facilities planned for Lal Suhanra National Park and the Salt Range region. These developments will feature LEED-certified eco-friendly complexes designed to accommodate both staff and tourists while maintaining environmental standards.
Mountain Protection Initiatives
The Shielding Summits Programme specifically addresses challenges in hilly regions like Murree and Kahuta. This specialized component includes:
- Recruitment of 600 dedicated fire watchers
- Strategic deployment of firefighting vehicles
- Construction of observation watchtowers
- Restoration and maintenance of forest trail networks
- Installation of water storage systems to protect natural springs
Expert Perspectives
Forest Director General Azfar Zia emphasized that these technological innovations will significantly enhance real-time forest management capabilities and protection measures.
However, environmental specialist Dr. Salman Tariq raised important concerns about timing, particularly warning against plantation activities in flood-prone areas. He recommended postponing tree planting in inundated regions until floodwaters fully recede, as saplings require adequate time to establish proper root systems.
Environmental Impact
Government officials highlight that this comprehensive initiative demonstrates Punjab’s dedication to building climate resilience, advancing sustainable development practices, and promoting environmentally responsible tourism throughout the province.
The ‘Friends of Forest’ campaign represents a significant step toward Pakistan’s environmental goals, combining traditional conservation methods with modern technology to create a robust framework for forest protection and expansion.
