The Punjab government has planned to establish a research institute in Lahore and set up a hatchery in Muzaffargarh to carry out research on 'Tilapia' fish and increase fish production in the province. Secretary Forests, Wildlife and Fisheries Mian Waheed uddin disclosed this while addressing a press briefing here on Thursday. He said that cage-culture is also being promoted in Potohar region to increase Tilapia fish production. He said total projects worth Rs 780 million would be carried out in the province while seven new projects worth Rs 820 million have also been prepared and sent to the planning and development department for approval which are aimed at bringing barren land under fish production.
The Secretary said that a project has also been prepared to establish a wildlife park on some part of Karol Ghati area of Lahore where Lion Safari would be introduced besides safari of other animals. Director General Wildlife Khalid Ayyaz Khan said that breeding farms of different birds and animals have increased to 173 which were only 116 in year 2015. He said a departmental fine of Rs 18 million was recovered during last calendar year from those violating the wildlife laws.