GUJRAT: A sum of Rs150 million has been set aside for converting the Pabbi forest area between Kharian and Sara-i-Alamgir into a national park.

The project will be completed by 2023 as initial work on it has already been launched in collaboration with the forest department and the Gujrat district administration.

The Pabbi forest spreading over 38,000 acres will be developed as a tourist destination with the provision of basic facilities and rehabilitation of its lake and at least 16 ponds.

The then Sara-i-Alamgir assistant commissioner Shoaib Nissoana had developed a small park, a jogging track, some wooden bridges and other facilities in the area with the financial assistance of overseas Pakistanis back in 2015-16.

The Pabbi forest park had attracted a large number of locals and people from surrounding districts for picnicking.

However, the successive administrations did not pay attention towards the maintenance of the park.

Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Saif Anwar Jappa said the Punjab government had declared the forest as Pabbi national park back in 2019 and now initial work was launched in the area.

He said apart from the aim of developing the forest as a tourist destination, increase in trees and rehabilitation of barren land, a lake and 16 ponds were also targeted in the project.

Adding he said the protection and growth of wildlife would also be ensured in it as visitors would be restricted to certain areas.

He said storage of rainwater had also been planned whereas a drive through, camping site, view points and other such facilities relating to tourism would be provided in the national park.

A race of heavy bikes has also been a regular feature in the Pabbi forest for the last few years; however in 2020 and 2021 the race could not be organised due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2021