Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Government of Punjab has formally launched a comprehensive province wide groundwater recharge programme aimed at stabilising underground water levels for agricultural land and safeguarding long term farm productivity. The programme was inaugurated at Head Islam where Provincial Minister for Irrigation Kazim Ali Pirzada emphasised the critical role of groundwater in sustaining the agricultural economy rural livelihoods and food security. Under the programme restored canal systems floodwater storage mechanisms and modern recharge wells will be used in an integrated framework to ensure that rainwater and floodwater are absorbed into the ground rather than lost. This approach is intended to secure consistent and reliable water availability for key agricultural regions. In the initial phase 144 recharge wells will be constructed across major farming areas of the province. Officials stated that water stored during recent flood events has resulted in a groundwater level increase of approximately five to ten feet. This improvement has strengthened irrigation capacity improved crop water supply and begun to reduce farmers dependence on expensive tube wells. In recent years the rapid depletion of groundwater had posed serious threats to agricultural land leading to lower crop yields and rising production costs. The newly launched programme aims to conserve water resources promote sustainable agriculture and protect farmers from future water stress. Government officials confirmed that the programme will be expanded to additional districts in subsequent phases to ensure long term groundwater protection for agricultural land. The initiative reflects the provincial governments commitment to modern water management practices and the preservation of agricultural resources amid increasing climate and population pressures.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Lahore High Court has adopted a firm stance against the cutting and pruning of trees across the city, issuing comprehensive and binding judicial orders aimed at safeguarding state land and public green spaces. The court took notice of an alleged case of illegal tree cutting near a private hospital and reviewed the conduct of the relevant authorities, expressing satisfaction that departmental action had been initiated against those found responsible. The court was informed that five officers, including the project director of the concerned scheme, have been suspended. Emphasising the seriousness of the matter, the Lahore High Court stated that negligence in environmental affairs or misuse of authority would not be tolerated, particularly in cases involving public land and the urban environment. In its ruling, the court directed that prior written permission from the Director General of the Parks and Horticulture Authority will be mandatory for cutting any tree or branch in any area of Lahore. The restriction will apply in all circumstances, including safety considerations, electricity lines, development projects, and routine maintenance. Following the court’s directions, the Parks and Horticulture Authority has issued an official notification imposing a complete ban on tree cutting and branch pruning throughout the city. Under the notification, even minor pruning will require written approval from the competent authority. In its remarks, the court noted that Lahore is already facing severe challenges such as air pollution, smog, and growing environmental stress, and that unnecessary tree cutting further intensifies these problems. The court underscored that urban green spaces are vital for public health and environmental balance. The Lahore High Court clarified that the order is not advisory in nature but a mandatory judicial directive, and that any violation may result in legal action against the concerned officials. The decision is being viewed as a significant step towards the protection of public land, environmental regulation, and institutional accountability.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan The Punjab government has adopted scientifically designed greenbelts along major roads and highways to improve stormwater management and reduce urban flooding risks. Traditionally, elevated greenbelts restricted natural drainage during heavy rainfall, leading to water accumulation and severe road flooding. Under the revised approach, new greenbelts will be constructed at optimised, lower levels in line with international best practices, allowing natural water flow while preserving environmental objectives and avoiding disruption to existing infrastructure. The government has also accelerated work on the Lungs of Lahore and Ring Road Forestation Project, a pioneering environmental initiative aimed at reducing smog, improving air quality, and supporting sustainable urban development. The project envisions the creation of a forest-like green boundary around Lahore, serving as a natural buffer against air pollution and uncontrolled urban expansion. Authorities describe the initiative as a permanent ecological asset that positions Lahore alongside global cities adopting nature-based solutions to enhance environmental resilience. The model is expected to be replicated in other districts through the Punjab Housing Authorities. In the housing sector, Punjab’s flagship programme Apni Chhat Apna Ghar achieved a major milestone in 2025, with more than 50,000 homes completed. The initiative is designed to reduce the province’s housing deficit for low-income families by offering zero-interest and zero-fee housing loans, with a strong emphasis on social inclusion. Priority beneficiaries include widows, persons with disabilities, and minority communities. Additionally, the Apni Zameen Apna Ghar programme has been launched to secure land ownership for landless families. Built on a digital-first framework, the programme enabled 367,000 applicants across Punjab to apply online. It has now entered the implementation phase, marked by the first digital balloting of 2,000 free residential plots across 19 districts, including Kasur, Faisalabad, Attock, Sargodha, Jhelum, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Chiniot, Jhang, Okara, Bhakkar, Khushab, Layyah, Vehari, Lodhran, Sahiwal, Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar. Taken together, these initiatives reflect Punjab’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability, urban resilience, and social equity. The combined focus on climate-responsive infrastructure and inclusive housing aims to improve living standards while addressing long-term environmental and housing challenges across the province.