
Murree to get 800,000 trees for forest preservation
Punjab Minister for Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani on Saturday said that over 800,000 saplings would planted in the Murree district as part of preserving forestry and protecting wildlife and humans from environmental hazards.
Addressing a special event organised by the Forest Department of Murree on the occasion of World Forest Day, he urged everyone to pledge to make this land green and prosperous by planting at least one tree. He further called for efforts to protect forests from fire.
Also present were Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Asif Amin Awan, Chief Officer of Forests, Conservator of Forests DFO Murree, Sudheer Mughal, District Emergency Officer Kamran Rashid, Murree District PML-N president Raja Daftar Abbasi, and other heads of district departments.
The minister emphasised the importance of the day and noted that the special event was held in the picturesque Murree Hills by the Forest Department.
He further said that the depletion of forests not only halts the supply of natural resources but also disrupts human life. "Humans cannot survive without oxygen, and the changing seasons and plummeting underground water levels are clear indicators of environmental degradation."
The minister stressed that while infrastructure like roads, bridges, plazas, and new housing societies are necessary, the indiscriminate cutting of trees must stop. "Trees are not only vital for life but also maintain ecological balance and enhance the environment. One tree can provide oxygen for thirty-six children, he noted, adding that each tree produces 4.6 tons of oxygen and absorbs 6.3 tons of carbon dioxide annually."
During the ceremony, nearly 500,000 saplings were planted by schoolchildren, district officials, and the Forest Department personnel. A target of planting 810,840 trees during the spring season of 2025 was set, which includes 80,340 large trees, 130,500 small plants, and 600,000 seedlings.
Various organisations and departments such as the Pakistan Army, Education, Health, PHA, Rescue 1122, Tourism, Police, the Municipal Corporation, civil society representatives, media professionals and local residents participated in the plantation drive.
The provincial minister and others officially inaugurated the plantation campaign by planting saplings in the areas near Jeikagali, close to Peli Mati.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Murree sets up cattle market for Eidul Azha
The Murree district administration has set up a dedicated cattle market to facilitate citizens ahead of Eidul Azha. The market was inaugurated recently at the ground located below Jheka Gali on Hill Dholu Road, one of the most picturesque spots in Murree city, where the Municipal Corporation has organised the facility. The Municipal Corporation has urged livestock sellers and buyers from the local community to cooperate with the administration and bring their animals to the designated market. Issuing official instructions, Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi emphasised that the cattle market has been established at a specific location to ensure cleanliness during the Eid festivities. He further warned that no cattle markets would be allowed on other roads or areas, and that a strict action would be taken against anyone violating these regulations. On the other hand, the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC) has finalised cleaning arrangements, including the removal of waste ahead of Eid under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's vision and "Suthra Punjab Programme". Following the directives of RWMC CEO Rana Sajid Safdar, a grand cleaning operation is underway across all tehsils of the Rawalpindi Division. This operation includes specialised waste clearance and sanitation efforts in city streets, highways, markets, residential areas, and cattle markets, running round the clock. With Eidul Azha approaching, waste lifting, manual sweeping, lime sprinkling, and immediate cleaning are being conducted daily in all cattle markets of Rawalpindi, including Murree, under a coordinated strategy. The operation manager in Murree, Talha Mir, is supervising the sanitary workers actively deployed in the field. RWMC CEO Safdar is closely monitoring the "Clean Punjab Programme" in the division and reviewing daily field reports.


Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Murree to get 800,000 trees for forest preservation
Punjab Minister for Minerals Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani on Saturday said that over 800,000 saplings would planted in the Murree district as part of preserving forestry and protecting wildlife and humans from environmental hazards. Addressing a special event organised by the Forest Department of Murree on the occasion of World Forest Day, he urged everyone to pledge to make this land green and prosperous by planting at least one tree. He further called for efforts to protect forests from fire. Also present were Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Asif Amin Awan, Chief Officer of Forests, Conservator of Forests DFO Murree, Sudheer Mughal, District Emergency Officer Kamran Rashid, Murree District PML-N president Raja Daftar Abbasi, and other heads of district departments. The minister emphasised the importance of the day and noted that the special event was held in the picturesque Murree Hills by the Forest Department. He further said that the depletion of forests not only halts the supply of natural resources but also disrupts human life. "Humans cannot survive without oxygen, and the changing seasons and plummeting underground water levels are clear indicators of environmental degradation." The minister stressed that while infrastructure like roads, bridges, plazas, and new housing societies are necessary, the indiscriminate cutting of trees must stop. "Trees are not only vital for life but also maintain ecological balance and enhance the environment. One tree can provide oxygen for thirty-six children, he noted, adding that each tree produces 4.6 tons of oxygen and absorbs 6.3 tons of carbon dioxide annually." During the ceremony, nearly 500,000 saplings were planted by schoolchildren, district officials, and the Forest Department personnel. A target of planting 810,840 trees during the spring season of 2025 was set, which includes 80,340 large trees, 130,500 small plants, and 600,000 seedlings. Various organisations and departments such as the Pakistan Army, Education, Health, PHA, Rescue 1122, Tourism, Police, the Municipal Corporation, civil society representatives, media professionals and local residents participated in the plantation drive. The provincial minister and others officially inaugurated the plantation campaign by planting saplings in the areas near Jeikagali, close to Peli Mati.


Express Tribune
22-03-2025
- Express Tribune
CM wants millions of saplings planted in spring
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that government is committed to eliminating pollution and providing a clean ecosystem to the coming generations. In her message on the International Day of Forests, she appealed to the people plant trees, "whether they expect to sit in its shade or not". "Children should plant trees in the name of their parents and teachers. The existence of forests is a lifeline for the environment, economy and citizens. Tree plantation is indispensable to coping with the effects of climate change. Plant trees and dispel the hazards of smog," she stated. She said 1.5 million saplings would be planted across the province during the spring plantation drive. Under the Chief Minister's 'Plant for Pakistan' campaign, 4.4 million saplings will be planted. Under the 'Green Pakistan' programme, more than 3.4 million saplings will be planted. More than 1.4 million saplings will be planted in agro-forests across the province. 5.5 million saplings have been provided to the health, education and other institutions for plantation. For the first time, trees will also be planted on uninhabited government land. Plantation will be carried out on 3,700 acres of land in Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh and Sargodha along the Indus River in addition to 1,500 acres in Ghazi Ghat and Muzaffargarh. Saplings will be planted on 444 acres of land in Sheikhupura and on the banks of River Ravi in Lahore. Plantation will also be done in areas adjacent to the Chenab River in Gujrat and on vacant land in Gujranwala, Changa Manga, Chichawatni, Attock, Jhang and Dera Ghazi Khan. She added that the 161-year-old Forest Department in Punjab is being equipped with information technology. GIS, remote sensing, high-resolution mapping and drone technology have been introduced. Satellite and drone technology will make it possible to identify changes in the forests in a timely manner. High-resolution 3D mapping of the forests of Murree and Changa Manga has been completed. The CM said, "Monitoring of encroachments in the forests and forest health monitoring will be possible with the help of drone technology. Thermal sensors will be used to protect forests and wildlife. A compartment-level forest mapping is being done to earmark the boundaries of forests. A mobile app has been launched for monitoring and inspection of field staff of the forest department."