The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee on Wildlife on Tuesday approved amendments to the Wildlife Act, 1974 and announced setting up of special courts to take action against those who commit violence against wildlife.
Recently, the incidence of killings of striped hyenas, gray wolves and leopards in the tribal areas of Punjab (Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur) and Balochistan (Dera Bugti, Khuzdar) has raised concerns about the sustainable growth of endangered species.
To regulate the growing trend of keeping big cats, including lions, tigers and cheetahs, in homes, and put an end to the illegal ownership and display of these animals in public and on social media, the Department of Parks and Wildlife Punjab had also proposed changes in relevant rules. law.
“The Punjab Assembly Standing Committee passed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act,” Aurangzeb wrote in X, adding that the government decided to set up special courts to address wildlife crimes, including abuse and possession illegal.
“Violators of wildlife protection laws will face fines of up to Rs 500,000,” the publication adds.
Standing Committee Meeting
During the committee meeting, which took place on Tuesday under the chairmanship of President Muhammad Adnan Dogar, Aurangzeb stated that violations of wildlife laws or animal cruelty should be fined.
A new board called “Protected Areas and Wildlife Management” has been established to oversee these efforts, he told the committee, adding that special centers for breeding, treating and protecting wildlife will also be established.
“A special helpline 1107 has also been created for complaints, protection and information related to wild animals,” Aurangzeb informed the committee.
“A big hospital for treatment of wild animals will be built at a cost of Rs 1,470 crore,” Aurangzeb added.
“A comprehensive project worth Rs 1,730 crore has been launched in Punjab for wildlife protection and promotion of global tourism,” he added.
He further informed the committee that a plan had been prepared to utilize Achhali, Bansara Gali and Changa Manga for tourism.
The Wildlife Act Amendments 1974 were passed after 14 years, with the previous changes being made in 2007.
Last week, the Punjab government announced the Chief Minister’s Wildlife Rescue Force to protect wildlife, Punjab Parks and Wildlife Department officials said.
The force is meant to address a long-standing gap in wildlife conservation in Punjab, he said on the occasion.
By improving the province’s capacity to respond to wildlife emergencies, this project aims not only to ensure the well-being of individual animals but also to contribute to the broader conservation goals of protecting Punjab’s rich natural heritage, the officials added. officials.
