Lahore, Pakistan — The Punjab Horticulture Authority has introduced comprehensive new regulations to give special protected status to ecologically important trees and strengthen conservation of public parks and green areas across the province. Under the Public Parks, Greenbelts and Green Areas Protection & Regulated Emergency Transplantation Regulations 2026, any tree with a trunk wider than 36 inches or aged 30 years or more has been declared a “heritage tree” that cannot be cut or disturbed without approval from a technical committee of experts. The rules, notified after approval by the authority, aim to stop indiscriminate tree felling, improve survival rates during transplantation, and ensure sustainable urban greenery for future generations.
Punjab introduces comprehensive rules to protect parks, greenbelts, and vital trees, strengthening environmental conservation efforts.
A senior official confirmed that the regulations have been enforced after notification, while the law department will soon issue a formal… pic.twitter.com/wiBEMfObX7
— Bloom Pakistan (@bloom_pakistan) March 24, 2026
Key Highlights
- Punjab government classifies trees with trunks wider than 36 inches or aged 30 years or more as “heritage trees” that cannot be easily removed.
- Technical committee of arborists, foresters, environmentalists, and botanists to review all requests for cutting, pruning, or transplanting trees.
- At least 20 new native saplings must be planted for every tree removed; ratio increases to 50 if a transplanted tree dies.
- Arboricultural Impact Assessments made mandatory for major development projects affecting trees.
- Strict penalties of up to one year in prison and Rs500,000 fine for violations; public grievance system to be set up with 15-day response time.
Strong Measures for Urban Forest Protection
The new regulations mark a significant step toward preserving Punjab’s green cover. A public digital register with GPS locations and photographs of heritage trees will be maintained online, while a province-wide Geographic Information System will help monitor urban trees in real time. The rules also limit commercial or event use of public parks and greenbelts to prevent environmental damage and ensure these spaces remain accessible and healthy for the public.
Punjab government has enforced Public Parks, Greenbelts and Green Areas Protection & Regulated Emergency Transplantation Regulations 2026 across the province. https://t.co/ukKnNNvbXP
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) March 24, 2026
Director General of the Punjab Horticulture Authority Raja Mansoor Ahmad said the framework aims to set measurable targets for increasing the urban forest canopy and will include annual performance reviews made public for transparency.
These practical and forward-looking measures come at a time when rapid urbanisation and development are putting pressure on green spaces. By making tree protection a priority and enforcing clear rules, the Punjab government is demonstrating its commitment to environmental conservation and the well-being of its citizens. The regulations will apply uniformly across all 21 district horticulture agencies, ensuring consistent standards and stronger protection for the province’s natural heritage.
The new rules in Punjab set a positive example that other provinces can follow in the larger national effort to combat climate change and preserve ecological balance.
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