Punjab Forest Department Reclaims Rs. 9 Billion Worth of Forest Land

The Punjab Forest Department has reclaimed approximately 1,984.62 acres of forest land worth around Rs 9.008 billion over the past two years, following an extensive recovery drive against encroachments and illegal occupations. This restoration has been achieved in three forest zones, with the Southern Zone leading the efforts. Major recoveries were made in Lal Suhanra, Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, Multan, and Sheikhupura/Nankana forests, with smaller recoveries in other divisions as well.

The department has transitioned from traditional methods of tree counting to a more advanced landscape restoration approach. It has incorporated satellite monitoring, digital forest inventories, artificial intelligence-based surveillance, and fire detection systems to protect forest assets and monitor encroachments. In addition, the Punjab government has geo-tagged over 33.74 million trees and developed a comprehensive digital forest inventory covering 810,000 acres.

Furthermore, Punjab introduced the country's first GIS Mobile Lab for field mapping and real-time data collection.

Technology-based fire management initiatives have contributed to reducing incidents of land damage in Murree and Kahuta. Drone surveillance and thermal sensors are being employed to monitor fire risks, timber theft, and wildlife threats. The Punjab Forest Act 1927 has also been amended to strengthen enforcement against forest crimes. The Forest Helpline 1084 has received more than 10,000 calls since its inception, as reported by the Punjab Forest Department.