Punjab Launches Satellite Forest Monitoring System – Real-Time Protection Against Deforestation
Punjab has officially launched a Satellite Forest Monitoring System, marking a historic shift in how the province protects its natural environment. The new system will use advanced high-resolution satellite technology to monitor all forest areas in real time, identify threats immediately, and strengthen long-term environmental protection.
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that Punjab is now equipped with some of the world’s most powerful satellite systems, including WorldView-3, SPOT 6-7, Pleiades, PRSS-1, Landsat, and Sentinel-2.
These satellites will track forest cover, tree density, illegal activities, wildlife conditions, and ecosystem changes every day—something that has never been done before in the province’s history.
Punjab Moves to Real-Time Forest Protection
According to the minister, live satellite feeds will help authorities detect:
- Illegal logging
- Encroachment attempts
- Unauthorized land clearing
- Suspicious human activity
- Early signs of forest fires
As soon as the system detects any unusual movement or change, alerts will be sent to the Environmental Protection Force, which will immediately respond on the ground.
This real-time mechanism will eliminate manual delays and reduce corruption or manipulation in forest reporting.
Complete Digital Forest Record for First Time
For the first time, Punjab is creating a complete digital map and electronic record of all forest areas. This includes:
- Reserved forests
- Riverine forests
- Mountain forests
- Plantation zones
- Wildlife habitats
- Protected areas
Every tree cluster will now be part of a digital database, making it nearly impossible for anyone to alter land records or reduce forest boundaries illegally.
Authorities can now compare monthly and yearly satellite data to identify:
- Decrease in tree count
- Land use changes
- Water availability in forest zones
- Seasonal damage
- Soil health
- Regeneration rates
Detecting Forest Fires & Natural Damage
Punjab faces seasonal forest fires, especially in hilly and dry regions. The new system will detect even small heat signatures, helping teams respond before a fire spreads.
Satellite imagery will also assist in:
- Measuring the exact burned area
- Calculating environmental damage
- Planning better fire-control strategies
Helping Future Plantation Campaigns
Remote sensing will allow the government to identify ideal locations for new plantation drives such as:
- Miyawaki forests
- Urban green belts
- Riverbank plantations
- Community forests
- Climate-resilient forests
Data-driven plantation will improve survival rates and long-term sustainability.
Supporting Wildlife Protection
The satellite system will also monitor:
- Habitat changes
- Illegal hunting zones
- Wildlife movement corridors
- Encroachment near protected areas
This will help authorities protect endangered species and maintain biodiversity.
Strengthening Environmental Safeguards
The system is expected to:
- Reduce forest land tampering
- Prevent encroachment mafia activity
- Protect real forest cover
- Ensure transparent record-keeping
- Improve response time in emergencies
- Support climate resilience projects
Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that this initiative is a long-term environmental safeguard that will protect natural resources for future generations.
Punjab’s step is being seen as a major milestone in environmental governance, making it the first province to adopt such advanced technology for forest monitoring.
