PESHAWAR, Jul 16 (APP):A grand Ground Breaking ceremony for Extension of Wildlife Park Dera Ismail Khan was held here on Thursday inaugurated by Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, Member National Assembly (MNA). Addressing the ceremony, Gandapur emphasized that extension of the Wildlife Park represented a significant milestone in strengthening wildlife conservation, species propagation, eco-tourism promotion, wildlife-based research, environmental education, and sustainable revenue generation. He stated that the project would substantially enhance …
Ground breaking ceremony for extension of Wildlife Park D.I. Khan held
PESHAWAR, Jul 16 (APP):A grand Ground Breaking ceremony for Extension of Wildlife Park Dera Ismail Khan was held here on Thursday inaugurated by Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, Member National Assembly (MNA).
Addressing the ceremony, Gandapur emphasized that extension of the Wildlife Park represented a significant milestone in strengthening wildlife conservation, species propagation, eco-tourism promotion, wildlife-based research, environmental education, and sustainable revenue generation.
He stated that the project would substantially enhance recreational opportunities for the public while contributing to biodiversity conservation and the local economy.
On the occasion, Project Director, Khan Malook Khan delivered a comprehensive presentation on the project, highlighting the scope of the extension, ongoing development activities and future infrastructure planned under the scheme.
He also presented a brief historical overview of the establishment and successful evolution of the Wildlife Park D.I. Khan.
The Wildlife Park D.I. Khan was established in 2014 over an area of 30 kanal through the special support and vision of Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the then Revenue Minister, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The primary objectives of the park were the propagation of wild animals and birds in a semi-natural environment, promotion of eco-tourism, enhancement of wildlife conservation awareness, and facilitation of wildlife-based scientific research.
The Wildlife Park has successfully achieved these objectives and has emerged as one of the major recreational and conservation facilities in the region.
Thousands of visitors now visit the park throughout the year, with visitor numbers increasing significantly during Eid holidays, Pakistan Day (23rd March), Independence Day (14th August), and other public holidays.
With the growing popularity of the park, it became evident that the existing 30-kanal facility could no longer adequately accommodate the increasing number of visitors during peak seasons due to space limitations.
Recognizing this need, former Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur initiated the proposal for expansion, following which the Provincial Cabinet approved the transfer of an additional 160 kanal of land from the Agriculture Department for the extension of the existing Wildlife Park.
Furthermore, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa approved an Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme titled “Extension of Existing Wildlife Park D.I. Khan,” which was currently under implementation.
Upon completion, the expanded park would include modern animal enclosures, walk-through aviaries, bird cages, landscaped lawns, walking tracks, cafeteria, sun-rain shelters, children’s recreational facilities, public amenities, visitor interpretation facilities, and other supporting infrastructure.
The enhanced facilities would substantially increase the park’s visitor capacity while promoting eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, captive breeding and propagation programmes, environmental education, scientific research, and sustainable revenue generation, thereby establishing Wildlife Park D.I. Khan as a premier conservation and nature-based tourism destination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
