Punjab Forest & Wildlife Department Spent Rs. 155 Crore in 2024-25: Kataruchak
- State Government focused on expanding forest cover: Cabinet Minister
- Emphasis on planting fruit trees in ‘Nanak Bagichis’ and ‘Pavittar Vans’
- Priority on developing wildlife sanctuary infrastructure and environment parks
Chandigarh, April 17,
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government is committed to enhancing the state’s forest cover to ensure a cleaner, greener future. The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department is actively pursuing multiple initiatives to achieve this goal, as highlighted by Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak during a review meeting at the Forest Complex .
The Minister was informed that Rs. 155 crore was utilized in 2024-25 for various departmental projects. Key updates included the construction of toilets for female employees in nurseries: 100 nurseries were equipped in 2023-24, 78 in 2024-25, with plans to cover the remaining nurseries in 2025-26. The department also set a target to plant 1 crore saplings this season, with Kataruchak directing officials to ensure proper care and maintenance.
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On the tree census, conducted every five years for trees along roads and canals, the Minister was briefed on the ongoing enumeration process. He instructed officials to prioritize planting fruit-bearing trees like Jamun, Bohar, and Amla in ‘Nanak Bagichis’ and ‘Pavittar Vans’ and to undertake plantation drives along highways. Kataruchak also emphasized the development of environment parks and the expansion of infrastructure at wildlife sanctuaries, including Kathlour Wildlife Sanctuary, Sohian Bir, and scenic spots like Bamiyal.
The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Dharminder Sharma, APCCF cum CEO, PUNCAMPA Saurav Gupta, and APCCF (Administration) Basanta Raj Kumar, along with Divisional Forest Officers participating via video conference.
