Dera ghazi khan: The Dera Ghazi Khan Forest Circle has planted 8. 296 million trees over the past 18 months, achieving what officials described as a historic milestone in afforestation and environmental conservation.
Conservator of Forests Dera Ghazi Khan, Muhammad Tariq Naseem, said, the plantation drive covered an area larger than the famous Changa Manga forest, marking a significant contribution to environmental protection, climate change mitigation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
He said, the achievement reflected the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a greener, cleaner and environmentally sustainable Punjab.
The Conservator said that under the guidance of Punjab Secretary Forests Captain (Retd. ) Tahir Raza Abbasi, the department strengthened transparency, monitoring mechanisms, modern plantation practices and institutional coordination, enabling it to successfully accomplish the ambitious target.
He said, the DG Khan forest circle carried out extensive plantation along river belts, highways, government land and other suitable locations, transforming barren and underutilized areas into green landscapes.
According to him, experts believe the large-scale plantation campaign will help mitigate the impacts of climate change, promote biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, improve groundwater recharge, enhance ecological balance and create new employment opportunities for local communities.
Muhammad Tariq Naseem credited the achievement to the dedication and professionalism of forest officers and field staff, coupled with the support of the Punjab government. He emphasized that the department’s responsibility extends beyond planting trees to ensuring their survival, maintenance and long-term sustainability, adding that large-scale afforestation and forest development efforts would continue in line with the provincial government’s environmental vision.