Punjab To Launch Rs2.5 Billion Afforestation Project Across Southern Districts
The Punjab government has approved plans for a major afforestation initiative worth Rs2.5 billion aimed at expanding forest cover across southern districts of the province, with a particular focus on Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding riverine areas.
According to official sources, the project will involve large-scale tree plantation activities on 7,249 acres of vacant forest land within the DG Khan Forest Circle. The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to address environmental challenges, improve ecological sustainability and increase green cover in vulnerable regions.
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Officials said the project is expected to contribute significantly to reducing environmental pollution, combating the effects of climate change and mitigating rising temperatures that have become increasingly severe across Punjab in recent years.
The government has also decided to initiate immediate plantation activities on vacant forest land to prevent illegal encroachments, particularly in riverine forest areas. Authorities believe that bringing unused land under plantation will strengthen forest protection and improve long-term conservation efforts.
The DG Khan Forest Circle has been identified as a priority area because it contains approximately 57 percent of Punjab’s riverine forests. As a result, afforestation activities under the project will be carried out across Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, Layyah and Kot Addu.
To ensure the sustainability of newly planted forests, the project includes the installation of solar-powered tube wells that will provide irrigation support in plantation areas. Officials said the use of solar energy will help reduce operational costs while promoting environmentally friendly resource management.
The plantation programme will focus on tree species that are well suited to local climatic and environmental conditions. Proposed species include shisham, kikar, neem, beri and mulberry, all of which are known for their adaptability and environmental benefits.
Provincial authorities said the project aims to increase carbon sequestration capacity, reduce the intensity of smog and air pollution, lower the impact of extreme temperatures and promote environmentally sustainable practices throughout the region.
The initiative is also expected to improve biodiversity, strengthen ecological stability and contribute to the conservation of natural resources across southern Punjab. Officials believe the expansion of forested areas will provide long-term environmental benefits while supporting efforts to build resilience against climate-related challenges.
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