Complete ban imposed on tree-cutting across Punjab

LAHORE: In a major move to protect the province’s green cover, the Punjab government has announced a complete ban on the cutting of trees across the province. The decision comes under the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, noting that plantation protection will now be a top priority in the design and implementation of all development projects.

Provincial Minister for Housing, Bilal Yasin, who chaired the first board meeting of the Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA), said that the new measures aim to ensure sustainable urban and rural development while safeguarding the environment. The meeting included Managing Directors of 21 agencies participating via video link, who reviewed proposals for the formation of committees tasked with managing public parks, green areas, and tree protection initiatives.

Under the new framework, any extremely urgent tree-cutting activity will require explicit approval from the PHA. Moreover, for every tree removed, a proposal must be made to plant 20 saplings, with full monitoring mandated for three years to ensure survival and growth. The Housing Minister stressed that 100% monitoring of all trees must be maintained through a digital dashboard that includes geo-tagging and comprehensive mapping of the province’s green cover.

“The implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) must be ensured at all costs during ongoing development projects in the province,” Bilal Yasin said, highlighting that activities in declared cultural parks will also require approval from the authority. Briefings at the meeting covered proposed laws, operational matters, financial models, and policymaking aimed at strengthening environmental governance across Punjab.

The establishment of a detailed digital monitoring system marks a significant step towards making Punjab a model for urban forestry and sustainable development, according to officials. Committees for tree protection and management of green spaces are expected to play a pivotal role in enforcing the ban and promoting public participation in environmental conservation.

The provincial government’s move is being seen as a landmark effort to curb deforestation and promote eco-friendly development, ensuring that Punjab’s growth does not come at the cost of its natural heritage.