Latest news with #PunjabForestDepartment
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- 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.
