LAHORE, Aug 29: The Lahore Cantonment Board is carrying out a complete documentation of all trees within its jurisdiction.

The survey will include numbering, cataloguing and labelling of trees. The information regarding each tree will be written on its trunks with its age, botanical name and other characteristics.

The aim of this exercise is to inculcate a ‘tree-loving culture’ among the residents of the Lahore Cantt and to improve environment for the benefit of all, says an ISPR news release on Monday.

To achieve the objective, a campaign has just been launched for preservation of old trees and to add new ones to the stock.

A number of measures are being taken for the purpose, which include tree survey, plantation campaign, identification and prevention of cutting of old trees in the Cantt area and preservation of wild life, it adds.

The release stated the LCB had planned all development projects, including broadening of roads, in such a manner that no damage could be caused to the old trees.

In case of Aziz Bhatti Road (Mall Road), an additional lane is being carved along side the main road in front of the Fortress Stadium for additional traffic, to save a line of old trees.

Similarly, the expansion of Shami Road has been compromised at a number of places to preserve the old trees at some places.

The authorities have also been asked to identify the three oldest trees of Lahore Garrison and ensure their preservation by developing green areas around them to make them look more prominent with metallic plates inscribed on them with their age and history.

Workshops, lectures and other such activities on regular basis have also been planned to promote the concept of greener Lahore and Pakistan, the release says.

Efforts are also in place to improve eco-system in the Cantonment premises with special emphasis on the breeding of various bird species and save those at the verge of extinction.

The Corps Headquarters has, in the meanwhile, asked under command formations to actively participate in the current monsoon tree-plantation campaign, it says.

The Cantt residents have been provided the saplings of fruit trees for plantation in their houses free of cost.

Effective measures have also been taken to ensure survival of the planted stock.

Under Army Tree Plantation campaign, a target to plant 775,000 saplings has been set for monsoon.

The Corps Headquarters, Lahore, has been allocated 84,375 saplings of various varieties for distribution among under-command installations for plantation. —APP