Chandigarh, August 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab is set to implement an eight-year, ₹760.30-crore biodiversity and natural resource conservation project with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with a focus on agroforestry, groundwater conservation, biodiversity protection and ecotourism.
Announcing the initiative after a meeting on Monday, Punjab Forest and Wildlife Conservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said the proposed Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project would promote sustainable management of the state’s natural resources while creating additional livelihood opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
The project will focus on expanding agroforestry, conserving groundwater, protecting biodiversity and undertaking integrated watershed management in the Shivalik region. It will also seek to improve wetlands and promote ecotourism as a means of strengthening local economies.
Kataruchak said the project would also aim to increase farmers’ incomes, reduce air pollution associated with stubble burning and strengthen livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Animal husbandry would be promoted alongside agriculture as part of the broader effort to diversify and increase household incomes.
The estimated project cost is ₹760.30 crore, with the financial contribution structured in an 85:15 ratio. The project is proposed to be implemented over eight years through the Society mode.
The Punjab Council of Ministers has already approved the project, while the loan agreement has been signed between JICA and the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance.
The state government has also approved the formation of the Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Society, which will oversee the effective implementation and management of the project.
Kataruchak said the initiative would mark an important step towards sustainable natural resource management, environmental conservation and biodiversity protection while improving the economic prospects of farmers and rural communities.
Those present at the meeting included Kamal Kishor Yadav, Secretary, Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation; Dharminder Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force); Saurav Gupta, PCCF and Chief Project Director; Basanta Rajkumar, Chief Wildlife Warden; Nidhi Srivastava, Chief Conservator of Forests (Plains); Satinder Sagar, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife); and other officials.
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