Lahore: District horticulture agencies throughout Punjab are set to implement tailored plantation plans that consider local conditions such as climate, soil, and landscape design needs, according to Punjab Horticulture Authority (PHA) Director General Ahmad Usman Javaid. The directive marks a shift from a uniform plantation model to a more city-specific approach.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Mr. Javaid outlined this strategy during a virtual meeting with managing directors of district agencies. The plan prioritizes indigenous species like Amaltas, Neem, and Bougainvillea, and includes the planting of bamboo near drainage corridors to stabilize embankments and reduce erosion. This initiative aligns with Punjab’s urban-forestry policy, promoting climate-resilient green spaces and local species selection.

The PHA, under the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, will also establish nurseries in each city to offer affordable plants for public plantation drives. Monthly plans for planting seasonal flowers will be prepared, and uniform planters will be placed along urban roads and footpaths. Key performance indicators will be developed to assess the performance of officials in plantation programs and the upkeep of public spaces.

The recent completion of the annual monsoon plantation drive emphasized the planting of local, shade-giving varieties, leveraging the monsoon season’s favorable conditions. Mr. Javaid stressed the importance of integrating plantation into urban planning, focusing on the survival and maintenance of saplings beyond initial planting efforts.