Performance of Punjab Wildlife Department at a Glance: The Last Eight Months

- Chief Minister’s Initiative

Punjab Chief Minister Ms. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched groundbreaking initiatives, including the province’s first-ever Wildlife Census project, which will utilize AI-based drone technology to monitor and census species of concern. Additionally, an Eco-Tourism Plan has been conceived for key sites such as Changa Manga, Uchhali Lake, Chashma Lake, Salt Range, and Lal Suhanra, with an allocated budget of Rs. 3,000 million. The PC-I for this project is nearing completion.

Progress Briefing of Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department

• An extensive combing operation for wildlife rescue was launched on 26.03.2024, leading to the rescue of 13,683 birds and 355 animals. The first dedicated rescue and rehabilitation bear enclosure was established at Jallo Safari, Lahore, with 16 bears rescued so far. Pakistan’s first AI drone-based wildlife survey was initiated, marking the world’s first such survey on black buck. The government approved the first-ever wildlife rescue force along with three wildlife rescue centers, with an allocation of Rs. 2,016.084 million. A wildlife rescue helpline (1107) will be launched through these centers.

• Additionally, the largest standardized wildlife hospital has been approved with Rs. 1,473.731 million, and a 7D wildlife cinema and moving theatre, the first of its kind, has been approved with Rs. 1,734.259 million. The execution of a project to enhance visitor experiences in safaris and zoos began with an investment of Rs. 599.361 million. A wildlife internship program has been launched, offering Rs. 60,000 per intern. Furthermore, the Punjab Automated System for Sustainability (Wildlife PASS), a complete online solution for wildlife-related activities and businesses, has been introduced.

• To boost education, a wildlife education and exhibition center featuring immersive experiences has been conceptualized at Rs. 800 million, alongside the creation of a 360° virtual zoo, a wildlife digital atlas, and a Punjab wildlife coffee table book in both print and digital formats.

• Major revamping initiatives include transforming Bansra Gali Zoological Garden, Murree, into a top eco-tourism destination with a PC-I ready at Rs. 3,972.759 million, as well as upgrading the Biodiversity Park, Murree, with an approved PC-I of Rs. 381.555 million. For global outreach, the first-ever blue-chip series of Punjab’s nature documentaries has been approved in collaboration with BBC Earth and National Geographic. A dedicated wildlife communication cell is being established to raise awareness and provide information on nature and wildlife. To strengthen enforcement, 612 personnel have been hired for the wildlife force, and a supplementary grant of Rs. 2,191 million has been allocated for upgrading the enforcement mechanism, which includes acquiring 62 vehicles, 430 motorbikes, ammunition, uniforms, and communication and IT systems.

• The Punjab Forestry and Wildlife (Wildlife Executive) Service Rules, 1978, have been amended to align human resources with conservation needs, while amendments to the Punjab Wildlife Act, 2007, have been approved to further strengthen conservation efforts through the formal declaration of the wildlife protection force. Additionally, the Cabinet has approved a summary for issuing possession licenses for big cats, including lions, tigers, cheetahs, pumas, and jaguars.

• Further conservation measures include tagging and ringing captive parrots in Rawalpindi for identification, the outsourcing of ticket management at Lahore Safari and Zoo with bids of Rs. 135 million, and Rs. 500 million without altering ticket prices, and the introduction of minimum housing standards for captive animals and birds.

• Trophy hunting of Urial has resumed after two years under community-based conservancies, with five trophy permits issued this year, each priced at USD 20,500. Wildlife conservation is being promoted through private wildlife reserves, and a historic crackdown has been launched against falcon netters to curb illegal wildlife trade.

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