Rare animals die in Changa Manga fire

Punjab Wildlife department denies knowledge of cause behind fre, orders investigation

LAHORE:

Several rare valuable animals have reportedly died in a fire that broke out in the Changa Manga forest near Lahore.

Sources said hunters started a fire on Sunday in an attempt to flush out deer hiding in the forest, resulting in the death of at least five deer. The Punjab Wildlife department has denied any knowledge of the incident, while the office of the Punjab Forest and Wildlife secretary has ordered an inquiry under the PEDA Act.

Changa Manga forest is a protected area where hunting is strictly prohibited, and many species of animals and birds are kept in enclosures or released into the open environment. However, the lack of new appointments to important administrative posts in Punjab Wildlife has led to a decrease in wildlife care, and incidents of illegal hunting are on the rise. Currently, the positions of Deputy Director Lahore, Assistant Director Lahore, and Sheikhupura are vacant, with the Deputy Director’s seat having been vacant since March 10.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2023.