The Punjab government has launched an ambitious tree plantation campaign in Lahore to tackle the city’s severe smog problem. Announced by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the initiative aims to plant 634,000 trees on 978 acres of land along the River Ravi.
Lahore has been grappling with extreme air pollution which got especially bad in November 2024 affecting nearly two million people. The toxic haze forced authorities to close schools and offices, restrict outdoor activities, and limit business hours.
As a result, Lahore consistently ranked among the world’s most polluted cities.
The minister emphasized the importance of tree plantation, stating it would help reduce air pollution and alleviate extreme heat. The campaign is also part of a broader effort to create a “green belt” along the river, providing fresh oxygen and cleaner air.
In addition, Punjab has introduced Pakistan’s first locally designed smog-cleaning tower in Lahore. These towers purify the air by filtering out harmful particles like PM2.5 and PM10, releasing clean air into the environment and improving local air quality. However, it doesn’t seem to be effective and hasn’t improved air quality in the surrounding area at all. Fortunately, tree plantation would help improve things in that regard.
why not billions, 10 billions? kehnay me kia harj hai.