LAHORE, Feb 21: Governor Khalid Maqbool inaugurated the annual tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling at Jallo Park here on Thursday.

As many as 35 million saplings will be planted during the campaign in the province; 12.50 million on government forest land, 3.50 million on other departments land, 1.5 million on defence department land and 17.050 million on private land.

Talking to reporters, the governor said there was a complete ban on cutting trees anywhere in the province and anybody found doing so would be dealt with sternly.

He said the government agencies had been avoiding cutting of trees during expansion of roads and other development projects. If necessary to cut a tree, its alternative would be given to the people, he said.

The governor directed all government officials to take part in the campaign. The private sector should also plant more and more trees, he said.

He directed the forests secretary to look into the affairs of Changa Manga forests and resolve all problems there. He also directed not to destroy the natural beauty of the Jallo Park through machines and instead of running a train in it, “arrange for horse-driven carriages”. He also directed the authorities to construct semi-paved roads in the park instead of metalled ones.

Earlier, the forest secretary said an estimated 32 million saplings were planted in the province last year. He apprised the governor of the facilities being arranged for the people at the Jallo Park. He said the department intended to create a Disney Land besides running a special train in the park.

Provincial minister Dr Khalid Ranjha, chief secretary Imtiaz Masrur and secretaries of various departments were also present on the occasion.