Punjab is set to undertake a large-scale urban afforestation initiative with plans to develop 650 micro forests across the state using the Japanese Miyawaki plantation technique. The project aims to improve urban air quality, increase green cover and restore biodiversity in cities through the creation of dense and fast-growing green spaces.
The initiative, being implemented by the Punjab Forest Department, is part of the state’s broader efforts to build a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
Dense Urban Forests Planned Across the State
Under the programme, each micro forest will be developed on approximately 300 square metres of land using high-density plantation methods.
Officials said the forests will include a mix of 35 to 40 native and fruit-bearing plant species, with around 400 to 500 saplings planted within each site. The dense plantation model is designed to mimic natural forest ecosystems and accelerate vegetation growth.
These green spaces will be established in a variety of public locations, including educational institutions, hospitals, industrial zones, judicial complexes and other community areas.
Focus on Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration
The project aims to create self-sustaining ecosystems within urban landscapes.
By introducing diverse native plant species, the initiative is expected to attract birds, pollinators and other small wildlife, helping restore biodiversity that is often lost in urban environments. Environmental experts note that dense plantation techniques encourage natural ecological processes and create greener habitats within a relatively short period.
Officials believe the forests will contribute to ecological balance while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban areas.
District-Wise Plantation Targets
The Forest Department has assigned targets to districts across Punjab for the development of the micro forests.
Among the districts receiving the highest allocations are Jalandhar with 82 sites, Ludhiana with 71, Bathinda with 56 and Hoshiarpur with 53. Other districts including Amritsar, Muktsar, Ferozepur, Patiala, Mohali, Sangrur and Pathankot will also see the establishment of multiple micro forests.
Authorities are currently identifying suitable land parcels for plantation activities in each district.
Judicial Complexes Included for the First Time
One of the unique aspects of the initiative is the inclusion of judicial complexes in the afforestation programme.
Officials noted that courts and judicial campuses are being covered under a plantation drive of this scale for the first time in the state. The move is expected to expand green infrastructure within institutional spaces while improving environmental conditions around public facilities.
Sacred Groves to Complement Urban Forests
In addition to the micro forest initiative, the state plans to develop 45 sacred groves as part of a parallel environmental programme.
Each sacred grove will cover around 1.5 hectares and accommodate hundreds of saplings. These sites will primarily be developed in semi-urban and rural areas and are intended to combine ecological conservation with cultural and traditional values.
The groves are expected to create larger green habitats that support biodiversity and environmental awareness.
Large-Scale Plantation Along Roads and Urban Areas
The afforestation programme also includes extensive plantation activities across municipalities and roadside corridors.
Thousands of saplings will be planted within municipal limits as well as along major roads outside urban areas. The roadside plantation drive aims to create continuous green stretches, improve roadside aesthetics and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Several divisions, including Ropar, Dasua, Jalandhar and Ferozepur, have been assigned substantial plantation targets under the initiative.
Towards a Greener Urban Future
Officials believe the Miyawaki-based micro forest programme represents an innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges in rapidly urbanising areas.
By creating dense green pockets, expanding biodiversity and increasing tree cover, the initiative is expected to contribute to cleaner air, improved ecological health and better quality of life for residents.
Combined with sacred groves and roadside plantations, the programme marks one of Punjab’s largest efforts to strengthen green infrastructure and promote sustainable development across the state.
As implementation progresses, the initiative is expected to play an important role in shaping a greener and more environmentally resilient Punjab.
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