The Forest Department of Punjab province will observe 2023 as the year of abundant plantation and protection of wildlife with an aim to achieve new targets in the province, WealthPK reported.

Punjab Forest Minister Syed Abbas Ali Shah said while chairing a meeting on the performance of the Forest Department that more than 102 million saplings were planted in 2022, while the highest plantation was carried out in Bahawalpur district with 2 million saplings.

The minister said that three development schemes were completed at the cost of Rs803 million, which were about the expansion and renovation of Bhakkar Forest Park, Forest Academy and Forest Complex. Animal breeding resulted in an increase of 381 animals and birds in the Safari Zoo and 287 in Lahore Zoo.

Abbas said significant steps were taken for plantation and wildlife survival during the last year. The minister appreciated the annual departmental performance and praised the officials besides instructing them to continue the same performance in new year as well.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk