‘Wildlife Protection Force’ on the cards

Minister says initiative aims to promote the breeding of various wild animals, birds

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab government has decided to form a Wildlife Protection Force to safeguard and promote the breeding of various wild animals and birds in the government forests and national parks.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb while speaking to the media on Monday said that work is underway for safeguarding wildlife and forests, boosting forest resources, and eradicating environmental pollution. She said that practical steps will be taken before the next budget, with officials from the forests, wildlife, fisheries, and environment departments urged to collaborate effectively. Punjab is expected to undergo a significant transformation into a green and eco-friendly region within the next six months, she added.

In this regard, a comprehensive zoological survey will be started in Government Private Forests to gather data on different species of wild animals. Funds will be allocated for them in the new financial year 2024-25. In the zoological survey of animals, comprehensive data will be gathered on all types of animals, including numbers, divisions, and categories. Furthermore, measures will be taken to facilitate their breeding.

For the Zoological Survey, the teams will be divided into nine groups, and each group will be given one division. Each team will be able to conduct surveys solely in their designated division. The main focus will be on studying endangered species of wild animals. As per the proposals, the required wild animals will be procured from Africa and the Middle East and subsequently released into the forests in Punjab.

Furthermore, in the upcoming financial year, a dedicated Wildlife Protection Force will be formed to ensure the protection of wild animals, with new recruitment will be conducted for it. The field staff and area inspectors, constables of the Department of Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries will also be integrated into the force.

Published in The Express Tribune May 4^th, 2024.