Director Fisheries and Wildlife South Punjab Dr. Riazuddin said on Sunday plantation projects in Cholistan are of vital importance in promoting wildlife conservation.
He stated that initiatives such as the Fish Diagnostic Lab in South Punjab and tree planting in the Cholistan desert were playing a role in enhancing shrimp farming, cage culture, and wildlife protection while contributing significantly to the department’s
revenue and the national economy.
Speaking to APP, he said that tree plantation in Cholistan was a groundbreaking project aimed at the survival of wildlife in the region.
To ensure its success, staff recruitment and the construction of multiple wildlife check posts were underway, he said and added that more such schemes could safeguard local birds, aquatic
species, and wildlife while enhancing the department’s welfare.
He expressed concern over the environmental changes caused by deforestation, which were impacting both humans and wildlife. He said the Punjab government was taking these challenges seriously, and the outcomes were expected to be promising. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated vehicles for patrolling, and lack of efficient communication systems, the department had improved its performance in curbing illegal activities. However, the absence of expert staff and supporting facilities often hinders timely coordination with law enforcement agencies, benefiting poachers.
Highlighting the department’s efforts in aquaculture, Dr. Riazuddin said that projects like cage culture and shrimp farming were exemplary.—APP
