LAHORE: The Punjab government has unveiled an ambitious forest expansion and environmental conservation plan for 2026, aiming to plant 31 million saplings across the province to strengthen climate resilience, increase green cover and improve ecological sustainability.
The plantation campaign will begin during the monsoon season as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat climate change, reduce pollution and promote sustainable environmental management.
Under the initiative, the Punjab Forest Department will restore forests across 7,000 acres in southern Punjab, while Rs. 8 billion has been allocated for afforestation, forest rehabilitation and conservation projects throughout the province.
As part of the “Plant for Punjab” campaign, the government will establish 350 urban mini forests and develop 200 new public parks to expand green spaces, improve air quality and help mitigate rising urban temperatures.
The Rawalpindi Division has been identified as a priority area, with significant expansion of forest cover planned in the hilly tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta and Kallar Syedan.
Officials said barren and uncultivated land in these areas will be converted into forest plantations to enhance biodiversity, protect watersheds and improve the local environment.
The programme also includes Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum, where forest cover will be expanded through the restoration and development of protected forests and land adjoining national parks.
To strengthen forest governance and curb illegal encroachments, the Forest Department has established a dedicated Forest Protection Force and introduced Punjab’s first Digital Forest Inventory System, enabling advanced mapping, monitoring and scientific management of forest resources.
Officials said the provincial government’s latest budget includes billions of rupees for new forestry, conservation and environmental protection projects, reflecting its commitment to expanding green cover and building climate resilience across Punjab.
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