Punjab Initiates Planting of 284,000 Saplings in 2024, Minister Reports
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Chandigarh, Dec 31 (NationPress) In a bid to enhance the green landscape and safeguard wildlife in Punjab, the state’s Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department has launched numerous initiatives this year, as reported by Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Tuesday.
This initiative has seen the planting of 284,000 saplings through various programs including the State Authority CAMPA and the Greening Punjab Mission. Additionally, 3,153.33 hectares have been designated as forest land, according to an official statement made on Tuesday.
Kataruchak announced that the Tree Preservation Policy for Non-Forest Government and Public Lands 2024 was approved by the Cabinet, aiming to protect trees from illegal logging in non-forest and government lands, combat pollution, and promote afforestation.
Moreover, 2.899 million saplings have been planted along tubewells, according to the policy mandating a minimum of four saplings per tubewell. The minister also mentioned the establishment of 46 Pavittar Van and 268 Nanak Bagichis this year.
In support of female staff members, 78 toilets are being constructed in the department's nurseries.
A project worth Rs 792.88 crore has received approval from the Union government aimed at increasing forest cover to 7.5 percent by 2030. This initiative will be carried out over five years in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
In terms of job creation, the department has made 276 direct recruitments in the past two years across various roles including Deputy Ranger, Forester, Forest Guard, and clerk.
Regarding the Wildlife Preservation Department, the largest and longest walk-in aviary in the nation has been opened at Chhatbir Zoo, alongside a state-of-the-art dinosaur park.
The Union government has prioritized the development of the state’s five wetlands: Harike, Ropar, Kanjhli, Keshopur, and Nangal. A budget of Rs 25.29 crore has been allocated for the comprehensive development of various zoos and wildlife initiatives across the state.
