LAHORE: The forest department initiated action against those illegal cutting of trees and the sale of rare wood as the government launched a crackdown on the timber mafia in the Cholistan Range Management Division. The department conducted raids at various locations, intercepted a trailer loaded with stolen timber at a checkpoint and confiscated it under the Forest Act of 1927. The culprits were fined Rs51,48,000. The Cholistan divisional forest officer and other field staff involved in negligence of duties were suspended and departmental disciplinary action was initiated against them. A high-level departmental committee was formed to investigate the incident with instructions to submit a fact-based report within seven days. This committee would conduct a transparent investigation free of any external pressure and those responsible would face severe punishment. Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said the recent government action was a significant step towards reducing smog. “Illegal tree cutting not only contributes to smog but also causes soil erosion, climate change, and water scarcity. Alongside afforestation efforts, modern technologies such as drone surveillance and GIS mapping are being used to protect trees. The public is urged to support the government in environmental protection efforts,” she said.