CHICHAWATNI, Pakistan – A group of outdoor enthusiasts and professionals from Lahore recently concluded a successful visit to the historic Chichawatni Forest Planted Reserve, praising its natural beauty and calling for its transformation into a major ecotourism hub.
The visit, organized in collaboration with local community leaders and the Punjab Forest Department, saw dozens of visitors, including engineers from NESPAK and other business professionals, explore the sprawling plantation. The delegation spent the day trekking through the forest tracks, covering approximately 20 kilometers, according to participants.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony held at the historic Ravi Sports Club, the visitors expressed overwhelming enthusiasm for their experience. Several members of the group drew favorable comparisons between Chichawatni and other well-known plantations, describing it as a “hidden gem” that felt more pristine and better managed than Changa Manga.
“The arrangements were outstanding, and the forest itself is incredibly beautiful,” remarked one visitor during the feedback session. “The tracks are well-maintained, and the overall environment exceeded our expectations. We genuinely enjoyed every moment.”
The local administration, including representatives from the Forest Department led by SDO Mirza, received high praise for their hospitality and guidance throughout the day. Visitors noted the departmental support in managing the trekking route and ensuring a smooth experience.
While celebrating the successful visit, the delegation from Lahore also offered several constructive suggestions to elevate the forest’s potential as a tourism destination:
Ecotourism Enhancements: Participants recommended installing detailed maps at key points and constructing dedicated rest areas along the extensive trekking routes.
Family-Friendly Attractions: To attract broader demographics, suggestions included developing a small “Joy Land” section with a mini-train for children and improving facilities for school trips.
Digital Promotion: Many visitors urged local authorities to leverage social media to showcase the forest, highlighting its appeal to urban dwellers seeking a retreat from city life.
The gathering also acknowledged the historical significance of the region. Local host Abid Masood Dogar shared that the venue, the Ravi Sports Club, holds a place in Pakistan’s cultural history, having hosted the first-ever “Faiz Day” in honor of the renowned poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
Addressing the visitors, Dogar also highlighted ongoing conservation efforts, stating that under a government-backed initiative, millions of trees are currently being planted in the surrounding areas and within designated blocks of the forest to enhance and preserve this vital ecological asset.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with local hosts promising continued support and welcoming future groups to explore the remaining four blocks of the extensive Chichawatni forest reserve.