The Punjab government has decided in principal to develop a 'Safari Park' of international standard in the Salt Range over an area of 1,000 acres of land to promote eco-tourism, conserve natural wildlife habitat and provide eco-friendly recreational facilities to the people. The feasibility study has been completed estimating the total cost of this project at 4.30 billion. The park will be developed on both sides of the Lahore-Islamabad Motorway.
An initial allocation of Rs 350 million has been made for this project by the provincial government to the Punjab Wildlife & Parks Department in the annual development programme 2016-17. The department is waiting for a final nod by the government to start working on this project, said Director General of the Wildlife & Parks Department Khalid Ayyaz Khan while talking to media on Wednesday.
He disclosed that the feasibility report on this project was completed in June 2016 but it was modified again to address some reservations about recreational facilities to be provided in this model project. He said a stopover would be constructed near 'Kalar Kahar' on motorway to enable the people to enjoy this quality place. This national safari park will have local and foreign species of different animals and birds.
Sources in the department said the main aim of the project is to develop the park as a wildlife conservation and habitat enrichment, reintroduce indigenous and recently extinct wildlife species and develop this place as an ecotourism attraction. The Salt Range was selected on the basis of its unique ecosystem containing natural forest, wildlife habitat (especially Punjab Urial), lakes, natural springs, historical sites and rocky mountain.
The Salt Range is rich in both flora and fauna. The area has a combination of Kao and Phulai vegetation that protects soil from water erosion. The entire tract of Salt Range provides a natural habitat to wildlife species including famous Urial and other antelopes. Besides, the Salt Range also consists of Wetland Complex comprising Kallar Kahar Lake, Ucchali Lake, Jhallar Lake and Khabeki Lake in addition to a number of small dams.