LAHORE, June 16: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Friday directed authorities concerned to accelerate the pace of tree plantation in the province and plant 150,000 saplings in Lahore so that a clean and healthy environment could be given to people. His secretariat would directly monitor the campaign in Lahore and elsewhere, he said while presiding over a meeting here. Chief Secretary Salman Siddique, Planning and Development chairman Suleman Ghani, Lahore nazim Mian Amer Mahmood, secretaries of the forest, transport, information and communication departments and LDA director-general attended the meeting.

The chief minister said the ‘Greener Punjab’ was an important part of the government’s development strategy. He ordered acceleration of tree plantation campaign because it was important for protecting environment, strengthening economy and meeting growing energy requirements.

He directed the officials to activate nurseries all over the province to ensure provision of plants to the people. The forest department and the districts should pay special attention to the growth and protection of plants.