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M Atif Ismail
MULTAN, Dec 22 (APP): Director Fisheries and Wildlife South Punjab Dr. Riazuddin said on Sunday plantation projects in Cholistan are of vital importance in promoting wildlife conservation.
He stated that initiatives such as the Fish Diagnostic Lab in South Punjab and tree planting in the Cholistan desert were playing a role in enhancing shrimp farming, cage culture, and wildlife protection while contributing significantly to the department’s revenue and the national economy.
Speaking to APP, he said that tree plantation in Cholistan was a groundbreaking project aimed at the survival of wildlife in the region. To ensure its success, staff recruitment and the construction of multiple wildlife check posts were underway, he said and added that more such schemes could safeguard local birds, aquatic species, and wildlife while enhancing the department’s welfare.
He expressed concern over the environmental changes caused by deforestation, which were impacting both humans and wildlife. He said the Punjab government was taking these challenges seriously, and the outcomes were expected to be promising. Despite facing challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated vehicles for patrolling, and lack of efficient communication systems, the department had improved its performance in curbing illegal activities. However, the absence of expert staff and supporting facilities often hinders timely coordination with law enforcement agencies, benefiting poachers.
Highlighting the department’s efforts in aquaculture, Dr. Riazuddin said that projects like cage culture and shrimp farming were exemplary. Although the schemes concluded in June 2024, they provided substantial support to farmers, with 80 percent government subsidy and 20% farmer contribution. These initiatives allowed landless farmers to cultivate fish in rivers, thereby boosting their livelihoods and addressing the national meat shortage. Efforts were also underway to ensure the availability of shrimp seed and feed to further promote shrimp farming, which was expected to yield positive results and increase foreign exchange earnings, he added.
He also shared details about the Fish Diagnostic Lab launched in Muzaffargarh as a pilot project from 2019 to June 2024. The initiative proved beneficial for farmers by addressing their challenges through free soil and water testing, which significantly reduced fish mortality rates. The lab also contributed to the growth of aquatic species and increased departmental revenue. Plans were in place to launch similar projects to achieve even better outcomes in the future, he said.
Responding to a query about the sale of substandard fish in markets, the Director said that Fisheries and Food Departments jointly take action against such practices by imposing fines and penalties. He also pointed out the severe threat posed to aquatic life by chemical waste from factories discharged into rivers. The Fisheries and Environment Departments were taking legal action against such factories to ensure the protection of aquatic species, he added.