LAHORE: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab, in collaboration with the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), launched a plantation drive under the Green Punjab initiative of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, focusing on expanding green cover, developing green corridors and strengthening climate resilience across urban and developing areas.
Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Kanwal Liaqat, was the chief guest on the occasion.
Director General of EPA, Syed Musa Raza, said the EPA (Punjab) was working with relevant government institutions to promote sustainable development and increase green cover, adding that environmental protection required sustained efforts beyond seasonal plantation campaigns.
He said coordinated efforts involving government departments, field teams, young people and communities could make the Green Punjab vision more meaningful and sustainable.
The plantation campaign has been launched in connection with the Independence Day, with a major plantation initiative being undertaken across RUDA’s development areas.
Around 50,000 trees are planned to be planted at different locations, as part of efforts to increase green cover and establish green corridors.
According to officials, green corridors are being developed from the entrance of RUDA’s industrial zone towards adjoining villages and the CB-1 area. Plantation activities are also being carried out around Awan Dhiwala, Ganjay Sidhwa and Zahra Homes.
The Zahra Homes project is being developed under the Punjab government’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme.
Alongside its urban development activities, RUDA is focusing on environment-friendly infrastructure and increasing greenery within its planned development areas.
A major plantation activity was also organised at Chahar Bagh Society, RUDA, where participants of the CM Punjab Climate Leadership Internship Programme, along with the Environment Protection Force (EPF), took part in tree plantation activities. The plantation activity involving the internship programme participants was conducted under the supervision of Director General of Climate Policy and Technology Centre (CPTC), Amina Munir.
Amina Munir appreciated the active participation of the interns and said that practical environmental activities were an important part of developing young climate leaders.
The management of RUDA also participated in the plantation activities, while RUDA’s engineering departments continued their coordinated efforts to develop green corridors and enhance plantation in its development areas.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026