Lohi Bher Wildlife Park: 687 acres of near lifelessness

Established in 1992, the safari park has little to offer to the public.

RAWALPINDI:

Let’s go on a safari to a wildlife park with nary an animal. Or almost, for what is a pair each of lions, zebras, deer and peacocks spread over 687 acres.

Such is the state of Lohi Bher Wildlife Park. Established in 1992, it is the third safari park in Punjab, allowing visitors to view a variety of imported and local animals living in their natural breeding environments. However, the park’s deteriorating condition is a cause for concern for visitors and residents of the twin cities.

Those visiting complain that there are few birds and animals at the park. They also complained of lack of proper transport and the dilapidated condition of the road leading to the wildlife park.

Zeshaan Ali, a visitor and a wildlife enthusiast, told The Express Tribune that the park has been neglected by every ruling party since its establishment nearly two decades ago. He alleged that most of the animals died due to the hot weather and negligence of park officials.

The park was established during the first tenure of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). In 2008, the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party government decided to redesign the park and populate it with a wider variety of animals, such as those found in international safari parks. A budget worth Rs311 million was allocated, but nothing happened on the ground.

Another visitor said, “The twin cities already lack public parks; I don’t understand why the government is delaying development of the park.”

When contacted, Lohi Bher Park Assistant Director Raja Javed said that the Punjab government’s project to bring the park in-line with international safari parks is “in process and will be completed by 2012”. He said that the Rs311 million allocated for the project will be used to procure an additional 100 acres for the park, construction of two water lakes spread over two acres and a pheasant reserve spread over two acres. He added they will also procure leopards, chimpanzees, bears and more lions for the park.

Javed said the main road leading to the park will be re-carpeted and a dedicated transport service will be launched to facilitate the visitors.

“Around 95 per cent of development work at the safari park has been completed and it will open to visitors very soon,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2011.