PESHAWAR, Sept 7: A project is in the offing to declare Cherat, a scenic hilly area near Peshawar at a distance of 50 kilometres, a wildlife sanctuary.

The project has been prepared by the NWFP wildlife department; and the federal government, after approving it, has directed the environment ministry to arrange funds for the project, said NWFP wildlife chief conservator Dr Mumtaz Malik.

The proposal for the project was moved by the army which controls the area, Dr Malik said, adding that declaring Cherat as a sanctuary was aimed at saving those wild species from extinction which had been declared as endangered species.

An agreement in this regard had already been signed between the army and the wildlife department, he further said.

In the first stage, he said, a fence would be erected around Cherat hills at an area of 50 kilometres.

After cordoning off the hills, eight to 10 pairs of those animals and birds would be brought there which were historically found there or to those whom the habitat suited.

He further said that a number of wild animals were already found in Cherat hills and even leopard was occasionally seen there.

“The animals to be kept in Cherat sanctuary include Uryal, Goral, blue bulls and Chinkar gazelle.

“We also plan to keep barking deer, a rare animal, in the areas which are also kept in Margalla national park,” he said.

About the birds, Mr Malik said: “These include ring net pheasants, partridges including black and others, Chakore and different types of sparrows.

The total cost of the project, he said, was estimated at Rs42.8 million and its completion would take around three years.

The project includes establishment of six watch posts, construction of three check dams for retention of water and forestation for further improving the habitat.

“This is the first-ever experience of wildlife department of working with the army and will provide more opportunities to use army-controlled areas for the protection and preservation of wild animals.”

About Cherat area, he said it comprised irregular hilly system and the mountain range ran in eastwest direction at an altitude ranging from 250 metres to 1,535 metres.

The highest peak in the area is called Jalasur with an elevation of 5,000 feet.—APP