More than 15 per cent area in Punjab will be covered under forests which is only six per cent at present.
Announcing this, the State Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Chunni lal Bhagat on Tuesday said: “Wildlife protection can only be ensured by increasing the forest areas.”
Bhagat was addressing a State-level function on completion of Wildlife Protection Week after laying the foundation stone for Nature Interpretation Centre and planting a sapling. Besides, an exhibition organised by various Punjab Government departments to promote various allied occupations was also inaugurated by him.
“The nature interpretation centre will get completed within one year, and it will have various glimpses of wildlife,” said Bhagat.
He said that Rs8.7 crore will be spent for various development works at Chattbir Zoo which will include beautification work for main entrance of the zoo. Besides, renovation of internal roads will also be done, parks will be upgraded and new shelters will be provided for the visitors.
The Minister said that the people should come forward for security and preservation of wildlife and endangered species.
He said that Zoo Development Societies have been formed to ensure smooth functioning at zoos in Punjab and in cooperation with Zoo Authority, Bird Aviary Scheme has been approved.
The state Principal Secretary (Forest and Wildlife Security Department) Vishavjeet Khanna said that Chattbir Zoo is widely spread as compared to Delhi Zoo and number of animals is almost doubled.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kuldeep Kumar said that forest area can be increased in cooperation with general public and during the current year 1.60 crore new trees have been planted.
He urged that people should take care of trees and plants as their moral responsibility.