Punjab Forest and Wildlife Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak said that wildlife sanctuaries and Zoo's Increase attraction and affection among the humankind towards wildlife. Chairing state level National Wildlife Week 2023 celebrations observed at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhat Bir Zoo, Zirakpur, the Forest Minister said though Punjab has less forest cover but out of the existing cover we have 13 sanctuaries that contributes to 10 percent of the forest area. Similarly, Punjab has five zoo's to conserve the rare species of the wildlife where a number of birds and wildlife animals and reptiles have been conserved in a better way.
He said the Chhatbir Zoo is among the first three primary National Level zoo's which are recognised by the World Association of Zoo's and Aquariums. He said that currently this Zoo houses about 2000 birds and animals of over 125 species which are known as rare and endangered. He said that besides research and training, advanced ICU and breeding facilities are also available in the Chhatbir Zoo.
The exchange program is a continuous phenomenon in which rare species have been exchanged with the other Zoo's of the country. This year a total of 55 New wild animals have been added including Royal Bengal Tiger and Tigress, Simba and Jyoti which were got from Rohtak Zoo and unveiled today for the visitors.
He further said that to make the Zoo more engaged with the children, an electric toy train with the capacity of 40 seats has been introduced today. Similarly, a wildlife training centre has also been inaugurated. The Minister further said that to maintain peace and tranquility in the Zoo, the battery operated vehicles have already been introduced so that the visitors can enjoy the peaceful environment of the Zoo.
He said Punjab has a great potential of Eco Tourism and wildlife Tourism and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is very keen to exhibit Punjab's hidden tourist spots like this to the entire world. He also witness the live rescue operation of reptiles shown by Wildlife lover Nikhil Sengar. Awarding Parminder Singh and Mewa Singh from Chhatbir Zoo and Dev Narayan Beldar from Mini Zoo Patiala with the APURBA DEKA Awards for their outstanding performances in their duty field, Forest Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that Assam based APURBA DEKA, a care taker of Elephants with the Chhatbir Zoo would ever be commemorated by this way, who died at very young age of 26.
Forest Minister felicitated 31 more people including wildlife employees, lovers and schools for their outstanding contribution to wildlife sanctuaries and Zoo's. Students from various schools were awarded with prizes on the occasion who took part in quiz competition. MLA Derabassi, Kuljit Singh Randhawa who expressed gratitude to the Minister for visiting the state level National Wildlife Week Observed here, demanded to introduce Night Safari at Chhatbir Zoo to attract more visitors here.
Chief Wildlife Warden Dharminder Sharma and Principal Chief Conservator of Punjab R K Misra and Director Field Chhatbir Zoo Kalpana K also addressed the State level function. Students from various schools presented their colourful bonanza showing concern to wildlife with conveying messages to love the nature.