LAHORE: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has imposed a complete ban on trimming and cutting of trees across Lahore. The authority has also directed all its officers to strictly follow the orders.
The decision came after remarks by the Lahore High Court (LHC), which warned that cases could be registered against PHA officials involved in cutting trees, especially along Canal Road last week. The court also showed displeasure over PHA for not imposing a ban earlier.
According to a notification, the ban has taken effect immediately on the orders of PHA Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmed. The notification clearly states that unauthorised cutting of any tree is strictly prohibited.
It further says that even minor cutting of branches, trimming, or pruning will not be allowed without prior written approval from the competent authority.
This applies even if the work is needed for electric lines, safety reasons, or beautification. All directors, project directors, and in-charge officers have been told to remain extra alert in their respective areas.
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The notification stresses that protecting trees is essential for environmental protection and the promotion of urban greenery. It warns that any violation of these orders will be dealt with under the relevant laws.
The move comes after PHA recently took disciplinary action against four of its officers. The authority removed the additional charge of the Canal Project from one director and suspended three other officers.
The action was taken after an inquiry found that a fully grown tree branch was cut near the Doctors’ Hospital Underpass on Canal Road instead of being properly trimmed. The incident had drawn strong public criticism.
Lahore has already lost thousands of trees in recent years due to major development projects. More than 2,100 trees were cut down for three large projects, including the Signal-Free Corridor Project, the Orange Line Metro Train project, and the Canal Road widening project. In the past, around 1,300 trees were also uprooted for Canal Road widening, while another 120 trees were cut for the Link Canal Road project near Punjab University.
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Canal Road, which stretches about 24 kilometres, is one of Lahore’s most important green corridors and has a large number of mature trees. In July last year, National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) completed the first large-scale digital mapping of this green belt on the orders of the Lahore High Court.
The survey was carried out in connection with the proposed Yellow Line Metro project, under which nearly 1,400 mature trees were planned to be cut. The court had clearly warned that no tree cutting could be included in the project’s feasibility report, as it was against court orders. It also directed the Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) not to approve environmental impact reports unless they were prepared by independent and internationally reputed consultants.
During the survey, 27,950 trees along the Canal Road—from Thokar Niaz Baig to Harbanspura underpass—were geotagged. Details such as each tree’s type, height, girth, age, and condition were recorded, and dead trees were also marked. Nearly 5,000 shrubs were also identified.
A digital dashboard was developed to monitor and track the data. Officials say this system will help in better planning and protection of Lahore’s green areas. The Canal Road green belt plays a key role in reducing air pollution, controlling the local climate, and supporting urban wildlife in the city.
