Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities during winter, has launched an ambitious Urban Forest Project to combat rising smog levels. Inspired by global reforestation models, the initiative will plant over 2 million trees across major hotspots including Gulberg, DHA Phase 8, Canal Road, and industrial zones.
Spearheaded by the provincial Environment Department, the project uses the Japanese Miyawaki method—which increases plantation density and accelerates tree growth. According to officials, the approach can grow forests 10 times faster and absorb significantly more carbon emissions than conventional planting.
The plan includes species like neem, jaman, amaltas, kachnar, and pilkhan, all known for their high oxygen output. Apart from reducing smog, the project aims to cool urban temperatures, recharge groundwater, and provide green spaces for citizens.
In its first phase, 100 mini–forests will be completed by March 2026, with community volunteers, schoolchildren, and NGOs participating in plantation drives. The government will also deploy environmental sensors to monitor air-quality improvements daily.
Environmental experts say Lahore desperately needs long-term climate resilience strategies, as short-term restrictions on traffic and industry have not solved the smog crisis. Urban forests are being seen as a sustainable solution that can reshape the city’s ecological footprint.
Residents have reacted positively, praising the government for finally taking a large-scale step beyond temporary smog alerts. If successful, similar forests will be introduced in Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi.
