Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department’s Remarkable Achievements in 2024
Environmental Conservation and Wildlife Preservation Initiatives Continue to Flourish
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak, has made significant strides in environmental conservation and wildlife preservation in 2024, further enhancing the state’s ecological health. The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has introduced a series of impactful initiatives that have contributed to a greener, healthier environment across the state.
A major highlight of 2024 was the planting of 2.84 lakh saplings under key schemes like the State Authority CAMPA and the Greening Punjab Mission. The department also successfully brought 3153.33 hectares of land under forest cover. To support sustainable tree preservation, the State Cabinet approved the ‘Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Government and Public Lands-2024,’ a crucial step to prevent illegal tree felling, reduce pollution, and promote afforestation on public lands.
In line with its green initiatives, the department planted 28.99 lakh saplings at tube wells under the policy of planting at least four saplings per tubewell. Additionally, 46 Pavittar Van and 268 Nanak Bagichis were established throughout the year, enhancing the state’s biodiversity. Significant improvements were made to the working environment for female staff, including the construction of 78 toilets in the department’s nurseries.
In collaboration with the Union Government, a Rs. 792.88 crore project has been approved to increase the forest cover to 7.5% by 2030, to be implemented over five years with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The department’s efforts have also generated over 276 direct job opportunities in the last two years, including roles for Deputy Rangers, Foresters, Forest Guards, and Clerks, offering employment to the youth of Punjab.
The Wildlife Preservation Department has made remarkable progress with the opening of the country’s largest and longest Walk-In Aviary at Chhatbir Zoo, alongside the establishment of a modern dinosaur park. In addition, the Union Government has prioritized the development of five key wetlands—Harike, Ropar, Kanjhli, Keshopur, and Nangal—with an allocation of Rs. 25.29 crore for zoo and wildlife preservation efforts across the state.
These initiatives underscore the Punjab Government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and wildlife protection, contributing to the overall welfare of the state while generating employment opportunities and fostering long-term ecological health.