Tree Planting in Cholistan Aims to Save Desert Wildlife
M Atif Ismail
Lahore: In a significant push for wildlife conservation, the plantation projects in Cholistan have emerged as a key initiative for protecting and promoting the region’s fragile ecosystem.
Dr. Riazuddin, Director of Fisheries and Wildlife South Punjab, emphasized the critical role of tree planting in the Cholistan desert, where survival is increasingly threatened due to deforestation.
He highlighted that this groundbreaking project aims not only to restore the desert landscape but also to ensure the survival of local wildlife, including birds and aquatic species.
With the recruitment of staff and the construction of wildlife checkposts in progress, these initiatives are set to enhance wildlife protection efforts.
The plantation projects are seen as vital for maintaining biodiversity, mitigating the impacts of environmental change, and supporting the broader goal of wildlife conservation in South Punjab.
Aquaculture through Innovation
Dr. Riazuddin also spoke about the department’s efforts to boost aquaculture in the region, specifically highlighting the success of shrimp farming and cage culture projects.
These initiatives, which concluded in June 2024, aimed to assist farmers especially landless ones by providing government subsidies to help them establish fish farming operations in local rivers. With an 80 percent government subsidy, these schemes not only supported farmers but also addressed the growing national demand for meat.
Plans to further promote shrimp farming include securing a steady supply of shrimp seed and feed. This expansion is expected to boost foreign exchange earnings while improving the livelihoods of local farmers, contributing to the overall national economy.
The Role of the Fish Diagnostic Lab
A notable achievement in the realm of aquaculture has been the establishment of the Fish Diagnostic Lab in Muzaffargarh, which served as a pilot project from 2019 until June 2024.
The lab offered free soil and water testing, addressing farmers’ concerns about fish mortality rates by ensuring optimal conditions for aquatic life. The positive impact of this initiative has spurred plans to replicate the lab’s success with similar projects in the future.
The department’s commitment to aquaculture extends beyond farming initiatives; it is also focused on ensuring that the quality of aquatic life in the region is not compromised by environmental threats.
The collaboration between Fisheries and Food Departments has led to enforcement actions against the sale of substandard fish in local markets, with fines and penalties imposed on violators.
Dr. Riazuddin expressed concern about the environmental threats posed by industrial waste, particularly chemical discharge into rivers, which severely impacts aquatic species.
In response, the Fisheries and Environment Departments have ramped up efforts to take legal action against polluting factories. These steps are critical to preserving the delicate balance of the region’s aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding the future of local fisheries.
Despite facing challenges, such as inadequate funding, outdated vehicles for patrolling, and a lack of efficient communication systems, Dr. Riazuddin remains optimistic about the department’s progress.
He noted that while the absence of expert staff and supporting facilities sometimes hampers coordination with law enforcement agencies, the department has still made significant strides in curbing illegal activities that threaten both wildlife and aquaculture.
Looking Ahead
With a clear focus on the long-term sustainability of South Punjab’s natural resources, the Fisheries and Wildlife Department is dedicated to expanding its efforts in wildlife conservation and aquaculture.
The innovative projects already underway are expected to yield promising results, improving both the local ecosystem and the livelihoods of farmers.
As these initiatives continue to grow, they will play a vital role in enhancing the region’s biodiversity and contributing to Pakistan’s broader environmental and economic goals.
The feature story was released by APP on December 22, 2024.
All the information provided in this report is the sole responsibility of the reporter as well as APP.
