Punjab govt approves dedicated wildlife courts to combat crimes against wildlife

LAHORE: In a recent move, the Punjab government took a big leap towards conserving wildlife by giving the nod to start designated wildlife courts to deal with atrocities, encroachment and other crimes against wildlife.

Amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1974 will now enable the government to impose fines of up to Rs.5 million on the offenders.

These amendments were passed by the Standing Committee of the Punjab Assembly after a wait of 14 years to bring Punjab’s wildlife protection dispensation in line with international standards.

These changes would enable severe actions against crimes involving wild animals and greatly bolster conservation efforts according to Senior Provincial Wildlife Minister Maryam Aurangzeb.

Legal protection to wildlife areas and an autonomous board called Protected Areas and Wildlife Management to operate conservation programs have been introduced.

The board is to be chaired by the Wildlife Minister, the Secretary of Wildlife is the vice chairman, and the DG Wildlife is its secretary. A wildlife protection force for specialized breeding, treatment, and protection of wild animals will also be created.

The use of modern technology, including drones for wildlife monitoring, is proposed. A full survey of wildlife and habitats in Punjab is to be undertaken, and a special helpline at 1107 has been established for complaints and information regarding wildlife-related matters.

Moreover, a broad-based project worth Rs.1.73 billion has been launched to foster wildlife protection and convey it to the world of tourism. Punjab’s very first 3D wildlife cinema is, a moving theatre, and major tourism projects are on track.

Other projects will see Uchhali, Bansera Gali, and Changa Manga turned into tourism centers. A wildlife hospital is being constructed for Rs.1.47 billion, and there is a new youth internship program for Rs.60 million launched in the wildlife sector.