CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Singh Mann Government’s sustained efforts to promote wildlife conservation and public awareness are yielding visible results, with visitor footfall at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir witnessing a significant rise. Sharing the details, Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said that in just the first two months of the year, the zoo recorded 80,508 visitors, reflecting growing public engagement with wildlife preservation.
On this, Punjab’s Minister for Forests and Wildlife Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, our government has worked consistently to sensitize people towards nurturing and preserving wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely encouraging.”
The Forests and Wildlife Minister informed, “The Chhatbir Zoo received 48,719 visitors in January alone, while 31,789 people visited in February to witness the diverse species of birds and animals in the serene and well-maintained surroundings.”
Highlighting the conservation-focused initiatives undertaken at the zoo, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “As part of our commitment to conservation and protection of wildlife, several pathbreaking initiatives have been implemented at the Chhatbir Zoo.” He added, “The country’s biggest and longest walk-in aviary has become a major centre of attraction. Alongside this, an ultra-modern dinosaur park has been set up to enhance the educational and recreational experience for visitors.”
Detailing infrastructure upgrades, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “In the 1,200-metre wildlife safari area, the boundary wall has been strengthened and a 260 kV solar plant has been installed to promote clean energy usage.” He further stated that “a critical care unit has been constructed at the lion safari to provide specialised treatment for carnivorous animals, and an open-air Zoo Education Plaza has been developed for visitors, particularly school children.”
Expanding on the broader conservation agenda, Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said, “The Indus River Dolphin has been declared the State Aquatic Animal of Punjab, and 13 wildlife sanctuaries across the state have been declared plastic-free.” He added that “five wetlands of the state, namely Harike, Ropar, Kanjhli, Keshopur and Nangal, have been included among the 100 wetlands selected by the Union Government for priority development.
