LAHORE: The Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) under an Annual Development Programme scheme to manage and oversee projects related to eco-tourism and the preservation, conservation, and management of wildlife resources across the province, officials told Dawn on Wednesday.

Officials noted that the project will operate under the supervision of Director General of the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department, Mudassar Riaz Malik. Project Director Saba Adil said the PMU will focus on eco-tourism, developing and protecting wildlife sites, and creating theme parks. She added that recruitment is underway, and work on the project will begin soon.

Director General Malik said this is the first integrated effort in eco-tourism aimed at showcasing national heritage with minimal disturbance to nature. Projects such as Changa Manga are expected to be developed along eco-tourism principles, he said.

The following initiatives will be implemented in Punjab: Strengthening and capacity building of the Wildlife Department to bolster conservation efforts; Establishment of the PMU and a Wildlife Command & Control Centre; Enhancement of the Wildlife Protection Force in Cholistan and Salt Range; Procurement of equipment, including quad bikes for Cholistan; Digital advancements, such as a Zoo Education Centre, Digital Information Centre, and a digital e-ticketing system, and development of theme-based tracks, rivers, waterfalls, riverine areas, lakes, mountains, and landscapes, highlighting the province’s diverse eco-zones.

The other initiatives include digital e-ticketing system, procurement of gazebos, experience development at captive wildlife facilities in Punjab, wooden huts for Safari Zoo, thematic entry points of Lahore Zoo, habitat enrichment of Bahawalpur Zoo, QR-based mobile application, procurement and installation of 3-D poles, digital display screens and SMD screen and electric surveillance scotties.

Master planning for eco-tourism at Changa Manga Wildlife Reserve, Lal Suhanra National Park, and other wetlands and protected areas will include the renovation of structures, a tram track at Changa Manga, and pre-release enclosures for species rewilding. Plans also include a breeding/display safari enclosure for Punjab Urial at Salt Range National Park and a hog deer pre-release pen at Chashma Barrage.

Changa Manga will feature a jungle café, butterfly garden, heritage museum, tree huts and a glamping arena. At Lal Suhanra National Park, plans include an information centre, wooden walkway, lake view huts and local Gopa-themed safari huts.

An immersive wildlife cinema and a moving theatre, which will tour various locations across the province, are planned to offer educational and engaging wildlife experiences for visitors.

Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2024