Islamabad, Feb 17: The Punjab government has launched an ambitious tree plantation campaign in Lahore, aiming to tackle the city’s severe smog problem and improve air quality. Announced by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the initiative targets planting 634,000 trees over 978 acres of land along the River Ravi.
This initiative is designed to combat Lahore’s growing air pollution, which reached alarming levels in November 2024, affecting nearly two million people. The toxic haze led to school and office closures, restricted outdoor activities, and limited business hours, with Lahore ranking among the world’s most polluted cities.
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Minister Aurangzeb highlighted the importance of tree planting as a crucial step in reducing air pollution and mitigating extreme heat. She emphasized that the trees would not only improve air quality but also contribute to the creation of a “green belt” along the river, offering cleaner air and much-needed oxygen to the city’s residents.
Alongside this, the government has also introduced Pakistan’s first locally designed smog-cleaning tower in Lahore. The tower aims to filter out harmful particles like PM2.5 and PM10, releasing clean air into the environment. However, despite the promising design, the tower has yet to show significant improvements in air quality in the surrounding area.
Fortunately, the tree plantation campaign is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the issue. By enhancing the natural environment, the initiative promises to support long-term solutions for Lahore’s air pollution crisis and reduce the city’s dependence on artificial air-purification technologies.
