Punjab Announces Rs. 8 Billion Forest Restoration Plan

Punjab has announced a major forest expansion and environmental conservation plan for 2026, targeting the plantation of 31 million saplings across the province.

The campaign will begin with the monsoon season and is part of the provincial government’s broader plan to increase green cover, reduce pollution, counter climate change, and improve ecological sustainability.

Under the initiative, the Punjab Forest Department will restore forests over 7,000 acres in southern Punjab, while Rs. 8 billion has been allocated for afforestation and forest rehabilitation projects across the province.

As part of the “Plant for Punjab” campaign, the government will also establish 350 urban mini forests and develop 200 new public parks. These projects are aimed at expanding green spaces, improving air quality, and reducing the impact of rising temperatures in cities.

Rawalpindi Division will receive special attention, particularly the hilly tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, and Kallar Syedan, where forest cover is set to be expanded significantly.

Officials said barren and uncultivated land in these areas will be converted into forest plantations to support biodiversity, protect watersheds, and improve the local environment.

The program also covers Attock, Chakwal, and Jhelum, where forested areas will be expanded through the development and improvement of protected forests and land adjoining national parks.

To strengthen forest management and prevent illegal encroachments, the department has established a dedicated forest protection force. It has also introduced Punjab’s first Digital Forest Inventory System for advanced mapping, monitoring, and management of forest resources.

Officials added that the provincial government’s latest budget includes billions of rupees for new forestry projects, conservation measures, and environmental protection initiatives aimed at increasing green cover across Punjab.