Punjab has finalised plans to launch two major development projects worth Rs9.4 billion aimed at conserving wildlife and promoting ecotourism across the province, wildlife officials said on Wednesday.
Under the initiative, the Punjab Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Restoration Programme will be launched at a cost of Rs3.9 billion, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The project will focus on restoring natural habitats and increasing the population of key wildlife species, including hog deer (para), sambhar, chital deer, nilgai and blackbuck.
In addition, an Ecotourism Parks Project worth Rs5.5 billion will also be initiated to promote environmentally friendly tourism.
The project includes the development of eco-lodges, tourist facilities, family picnic areas, scenic viewpoints, and other sustainable tourism infrastructure.
As part of the ecotourism initiative, a new interchange on Motorway M-2 at the Salt Range has also been planned to improve access to tourist destinations.
Wildlife authorities said the projects aim to balance conservation with responsible tourism while generating economic opportunities for local communities. Both projects are scheduled to be completed by June 2027.
Reporter: Samra Fatima