The Punjab chief minister has ordered a total ban on tree cutting across the province, with prior approval from the Punjab Housing Authority now mandatory for any removal, officials said.

The decision was announced during the first board meeting of the Punjab Housing Authority, chaired by Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, with MDs of 21 agencies participating via video link.

Measures approved include a digital app for geo-tagging and monitoring each tree, mandatory three-year monitoring of newly planted trees, and a policy to plant twenty new trees for every one tree cut.

The PHA emphasised that protecting plantations is a top priority in all development projects, with SOPs strictly enforced.

Committees will be formed to safeguard public parks and green areas, and activities in cultural parks will require approval from the relevant authorities.

A digital dashboard will ensure 100 per cent monitoring of trees, aiming to protect the environment and maintain urban balance.