LAHORE: Punjab’s worsening air quality prompted Lahore Commissioner Marryam Khan to launch a large-scale tree plantation campaign on Friday, planting a bamboo sapling along the Shadman drain. The initiative aims to plant thousands of bamboo saplings along the Shadman and Gulberg drains to help mitigate the city’s escalating pollution.
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Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmed said 1,200 bamboo saplings would be planted along the Shadman drain and 3,000 along the Gulberg drain. “A total of 45,000 bamboo saplings are being planted along various drains in the city, with 15,000 already in place,” he added. The campaign forms part of the larger “Lungs of Lahore” initiative, which seeks to plant 4.5 million trees, alongside the Ring Road Afforestation Project spanning 112 km around the city.
“On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, a tree plantation campaign has been launched on the sides of Shadman Drain and Gulberg Drain. Thousands of new bamboo saplings will be
planted at both places.”Commissioner Lahore Maryam Khan inaugurated the tree… pic.twitter.com/XHi435nBxS
— Commissioner Lahore Division (@commissionerlhr) November 21, 2025
Commissioner Khan emphasized the urgency of large-scale plantation to combat Lahore’s worsening smog and pollution levels. She assured that all available resources would be mobilized to complete PHA’s environmental and beautification projects on schedule. DC Raza noted that the Green Lahore programme would not only restore ecology but also provide a healthier environment for residents.
Recent air quality readings highlight the gravity of the situation. Lahore recorded an AQI of 285, while certain localities such as Johar Town and Allama Iqbal Town reported hazardous levels of 428 and 425 respectively. Other cities including Sialkot, Hundal, and Gujranwala also experienced hazardous air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations surging across the province.
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The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast cold and dry conditions across Punjab, warning that smog and shallow fog could persist during mornings and evenings in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, and surrounding districts. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious as pollution levels continue to pose serious health risks.