- CM Maryam says 1.375m trees being planted over 3,790 acres of forest wasteland under CM Agroforestry Initiative
- 11,000 rural women will be given buffaloes and cows at a cost of Rs2b in 12 southern Punjab districts
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday stated that the Punjab government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to plant 42 million trees over 50,869 acres of land under the Chief Minister Plant for Pakistan Initiative, reported a handout issued by Punjab DGPR.
“Large-scale tree plantation and environmental projects are being launched under Punjab Green Program,” the Punjab CM said, adding that 1.375 million trees are being planted over 3,790 acres of forest wasteland under the “CM Agroforestry Initiative.”
The Punjab CM said, “The scope of Green Pakistan Program has been expanded, plantation of 466.463 million trees on 251,000 acres continues.” She added, “Plantation of 5 million trees in rows on 10,223 avenue miles in the canal area of Punjab has been activated.” She underscored, “Provision of world-class facilities for the promotion of ecotourism in Lal Suhanra National Park and Salt Range is being ensured.”
CM Maryam said, “Wireless network, digital cameras, GPS devices, and CCTV cameras are being provided for ecotourism.” She added, “Construction of an eco-friendly LEED certified multi-storey building has been started to establish a protected nature area, modern facilities have been provided for the staff.” She highlighted, “The Shielding Summits Program for disaster prevention in the mountains of Murree and Kahuta, recruitment of 600 fire watchers, and provision of fire vehicles and watchtowers are being ensured.”
The chief minister said, “Restoration of forest tracks and construction of tanks for spring water are also part of the project.” She added, “Modern GIS-based protection systems have been introduced; immediate detection of fire and encroachment is possible with drone, satellite and LIDAR technology.”
CM Maryam said, “A digital communication cell has been established, and modern monitoring equipment and additional staff are being provided to the Monitoring and Evaluation Wing of the Forest Department.” She added, “Digital tree enumeration in the form of rows and GIS-based surveys has been started in Punjab.”
The Punjab CM said, “Modern machinery has been purchased for forestry work, the process of plantation and forestry operations has been accelerated.” She pointed out, “Establishment of 104 Forest Command & Control Centers for 24-hour monitoring across the province is significantly increasing the capacity for forest protection.”
CM Lauds Sanitation Heroes
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz handed over cheques of prize money to sanitation workers for their unprecedented and lightning-fast sanitation services on Eidul Azha. She had announced a reward of Rs10,000 each for workers for the best sanitation arrangements on the three days of Eidul Azha. A magnificent tribute was paid to sanitation workers in splendid ceremonies held in 123 tehsils across Punjab. S
Historic Step to Ensure Welfare of Rural Women in Southern Punjab
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took another historic step for the financial empowerment and socio-economic development of women living in the rural area of southern Punjab.
Under the initiative, she arranged a better source of employment for the poor and needy rural women. She said, “Poor widows living in villages will get buffaloes and cows. 11,000 rural women will be given buffaloes and cows with a budget of Rs2 billion in 12 districts of southern Punjab.” She added,”4870 cattle will be given in the first phase of Chief Minister’s unprecedented program.” She highlighted, “Punjab CM Livestock Assets Program aims to increase milk production and provide employment to rural women at home.”
The chief minister said, “Under the CM Livestock Assets Program, rural women in Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Layyah and Kot Addu will get free cattle. In Multan, Khanewal, Lodhran, Vehari, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur too, rural women will get free cattle for a better livelihood.” She added, “Divorced and widowed poor women up to the age of 55 can also apply through the app while sitting at home.”
