Punjab replaces British era Forest Act with digital system for environmental protection

LAHORE (Dunya News) – The Punjab government has replaced the British-era Forest Act, implementing a cutting-edge technological system aimed at eliminating corruption, marking a significant step towards environmental protection and administrative reform.

Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the new system will bring transparency and efficiency to the province's environmental and forestry departments.

The newly reformed system will completely eliminate paper-based procedures, making the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the first government department to operate entirely through modern technology.

The new system ensures that every document will have a unique reference number and a QR code, making verification possible within seconds.

Additionally, all decisions, including reasons, recommendations, and approvals, will be digitally recorded and accessible at all times.

Under this initiative, no department related to environmental matters will issue orders or approvals without using the new digital system, known as e-FOAS (e-File Online Approval System). Any officer or staff member issuing decisions outside the e-FOAS will face strict disciplinary action.

The system also includes digital processing for import licenses, laboratory certifications, protection orders, and government recommendations. The Punjab government has made it clear that any order or approval issued outside this digital system will not be considered legal or valid.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz praised the team behind the implementation of the new system, emphasizing that the shift to digital processes will eliminate human interference, curbing fraud and illegal permits. She further stated that the new system not only ensures environmental protection but also plays a crucial role in combating corruption.