He directed the officials that media should be effectively utilised to ensure active participation of the masses in the tree plantation campaign and said rapid industrialisation, mounting traffic and growing population have increased the importance of tree plantation manifold.
Elahi said Punjab government would provide necessary resources for forestation over maximum area. He also directed to evolve a co-ordinated strategy for tree plantation on state land, vacant places as well as the government offices, asking the heads of government departments to take personal interest in the campaign.
Sources in the provincial forest department told Business Recorder here on Monday that out of total land areas of the Punjab ie 50.96 million acres, only over 1.50 million acres are covered with productive forests which is not sufficient for a balanced economy and stable environment.
According to the sources, increase in forest area in public sector is not presently possible due to lack of funds, non-availability of land due to competing uses, shortage of irrigation water and increasing demand of wood for the rising population.
It may be mentioned that the provincial forest department launches two tree plantation campaigns every year ie in spring and monsoon, during which planting stock is made available through forest stalls/nurseries for planting of saplings on all possible sites.
The sources claimed that forest department has requested all the administrative secretaries, District Nazims and DCOs in the Punjab that every employee working under their control should be persuaded to plant 10 saplings/stumps each, during monsoon tree planting campaign and protect and maintain the same till their taking roots. The department has also directed all field formations to lend fullest support to the government employees in carrying out this noble task.