Latest news with #PunjabForestDepartment
Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Punjab forest department targets timber mafia in major crackdown
Listen to article Punjab's Forest Department arrested the ringleader of a timber smuggling network in Khanpur after conducting a major operation against illegal deforestation, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said on Thursday. The operation was carried out under the environmental protection mission of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who has directed strict action against the influential timber mafia, according to a statement issued by the department. Speaking after the raid, Maryam said the Punjab Forest Department acted swiftly on a confidential tip-off and launched an immediate operation in coordination with local police. Officials seized a vehicle filled with illegal timber, and multiple suspects were apprehended at the scene. An FIR of the case was registered at Shadani Police Station. The senior provinicial minister commended the team for their swift and decisive response. Read: Punjab extends vehicle emission testing deadline to August 31 She added that after the suspect's interim bail, the divisional forest officer (DFO) for Rahim Yar Khan received threats from the accused, who is pressuring the department to withdraw the case. 'We have reached out to the district administration, and a second FIR has now been registered under the Telegraph Act to formally respond to this unlawful intimidation,' she said. According to Maryam, such threats have become a routine consequence of strict enforcement, but the government remains undeterred. 'We will not yield to any pressure. There will be no compromise when it comes to protecting our natural resources,' she said. 'Law enforcement will be upheld at all costs.' Read more: CM Punjab approves largest climate observatory to tackle climate change She added that the Forest Department, district authorities and law enforcement agencies are working in full coordination to dismantle timber smuggling networks. The provinicial minister noted that CM Maryam has issued direct instructions to intensify efforts and ensure the complete protection of forests against powerful timber interests. In a separate development, the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has confiscated more than 321,000 kilograms of plastic bags under 75 microns since a provincial ban came into force on June 5. According to official data, EPA teams have conducted over 143,000 inspections across the province. A total of 136,961 raids led to the seizure of 249,485 kilograms of plastic, with 72,097kg recovered in 6,393 raids in Lahore alone.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Officials stunned after farmer spots rare predator far from its usual range
Officials in India's Punjab region were pleasantly surprised to learn of a sighting of an endangered cat species by a local farmer. According to Outlook Traveller, it was the first time the Indian Fishing Cat had ever been reported in Hoshiarpur, an area in northeast Punjab. The Punjab Forest Department is investigating the discovery, and it could lead to further revelations about the area's wildlife and inform future conservation policies. Such a sighting is quite far removed from the cat's suspected range, per Panthera. However, because they are so rare (fewer than 10,000 remain), it's difficult to confirm exactly where they may or may not roam. Additionally, according to the Smithsonian, little is known of their lifespan or social structure in the wild, so any confirmed sighting is a very exciting development. As its name implies, the fishing cat is best-suited to wetland habitats. About twice the size of a domestic cat, fishing cats are nocturnal hunters who like to wait by the water's edge to ambush their prey. Unlike a domestic cat, they're excellent swimmers and are known for their unique call, which resembles the quack of a duck. They play a crucial role in the overall health of wetland areas, which are vital to the environment. As the Wild Cat Ridge Sanctuary noted, the cats keep rodent populations in check, which is especially critical as warming conditions push these critters and disease vectors outside their natural ranges. Fishing cats face several threats to their long-term survival, including human encroachment and habitat destruction. They're also occasional victims of bycatch as they get caught up in snares intended for other species. Protecting their habitats from further destruction becomes viable with a deeper understanding of their actual range. They've proven to be resilient creatures. Once thought to be extinct in Cambodia, cameras picked up signs of life in three different locations, according to Mongabay. Trail cameras are a valuable tool in informing conservation efforts for the world's rarest species. Staying informed about critical climate issues is another crucial aspect of protecting rare species like the fishing cat. With greater insights and public awareness, this most fetching of felines will hopefully continue patrolling the wetlands for many years to come. Do you think governments should ban the production of gas-powered lawn equipment? Absolutely Yes — but not yet I don't know Heck no Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Express Tribune
11-06-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Forest fires in Punjab swiftly contained by rapid response team
Listen to article As temperatures continue to soar across Punjab, the province has witnessed a rise in forest fire incidents. However, prompt and coordinated action by the Punjab Forest Department under its Fire Emergency Response System has helped prevent any significant damage to the province's valuable forest resources. According to a spokesperson of the Forest Department, three fire incidents were reported on June 10 in the forests of Murree and Attock. The first incident occurred at 7:00 PM in Compartment 85 of Sumbli Forest (Murree district), the second at 9:00 PM in Compartment 20 of Kotli Forest (Murree district), and the third was reported at 2:00 AM in Compartment 15 of Attock Khurd Forest. READ MORE: Forests key to food security, environment Trained field staff of the Forest Department responded swiftly and professionally, bringing all three fires under control before they could spread. The fires affected a total of 3.5 acres of undergrowth and grass, but no loss of life or major property damage was reported. The spokesperson warned that with the ongoing rise in temperatures during the summer, the risk of forest fires remains high. Citizens have been urged to refrain from lighting fires or smoking near forested areas to prevent such incidents. The department also reported two earlier fire outbreaks in the Karor Forest of Kotli Sattian and the communal forests of Lehtarar. Both fires were brought under control within hours by firefighting teams, with minimal damage limited to vegetation over a few acres and no casualties or financial loss. The Forest Department maintains a state of high alert and is fully prepared to respond to any emergency. READ MORE: Thermal imaging to help protect forests The spokesperson emphasized that, on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a comprehensive strategy is being implemented to reduce forest fire incidents and protect the province's natural environment and woodland ecosystems. Last month, a part of Muhammad Khan forest caught fire on night, destroying mostly wild plantations, and around 50 mature trees, on a piece of land between seven to 10 acres. The forest, spread on 181 acres of land, is located in Kathri in the jurisdiction of Hatri police station. District Forest Officer Rizwan Memon told The Express Tribune that fortunately no harm to life, or to the houses in the forest's vicinity, occurred in the incident. However, he stated that the exact amount of losses are yet to be assessed, because on Friday the burnt parts of the forest could not be visited due to the scorching heat and the freshly burnt hot ground.
Express Tribune
17-02-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Forest plantation along Ravi paced up
LAHORE: A largescale plantation drive has been launched in Lahore to grow a forest on 978 acres along the Ravi River. As part of the campaign, 105,000 trees have been planted on 144 acres, with the process continuing at an accelerated pace. The Punjab government has set a target of planting 634,000 trees to improve air quality as part of the fight against smog. Provincial Senior Minister Marrirum Aurangzeb stated that a 'green wall' covering 978 acres will be established to combat pollution and convert Lahore into a green, environmentally friendly city. She said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's 'Green Revolution' is a long-term initiative for ensuring a cleaner and healthier future for Lahore. Highlighting the urgency of afforestation to tackle air pollution and extreme heat, the senior minister stressed that the expansion of the green belt along the river will provide fresh oxygen to residents. She urged the people to actively participate in the campaign, stressing that every tree planted will contribute to the vision of a smog-free and greener Lahore. The Punjab Forest Department and Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) are expanding the scope of the plantation campaign to implement natural solutions for air pollution.
