Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has called for detailed information on migratory birds visiting the Sukhna Wetland and directed relevant departments to explore measures to enhance habitat quality. The goal is to attract a greater diversity and population of migratory birds to the wetland.
Meeting Directives and Awareness Initiatives
Chairing the fifth meeting of the Chandigarh Wetland Authority at Lok Bhavan in Chandigarh on Thursday, Kataria suggested installing informative display panels depicting various migratory bird species at suitable locations around the wetland. These panels aim to raise awareness among visitors and promote nature education.
The meeting reviewed progress on conservation and scientific management initiatives for the wetland. The official logo of the authority was also finalized during the session.
Scientific Studies and Ecological Restoration
Stakeholder departments presented detailed updates on efforts for the scientific management and ecological restoration of the Sukhna Wetland and its catchment area. The authority considered a proposal to conduct a comprehensive study on the maintenance of the Kansal Diversion Canal.
Kataria emphasized adopting scientific and sustainable methods for effective weed management at the wetland to preserve ecological balance without harming aquatic biodiversity.
Fish Diversity and Stocking
A comprehensive fish diversity survey by the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, recorded over 20 fish species, with mrigal carp (Cirrhinus mrigala) being the most abundant. Indigenous species account for more than 80% of the fish diversity. Based on scientific assessment, the Department of Fisheries released 10,000 fingerlings of Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal to strengthen the native fish population.
Desiltation Project
Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar informed the authority about ongoing scientific desiltation at the regulatory end of the wetland, conducted as per recommendations from IIT-Roorkee in consultation with WWF-India. The project is expected to enhance the wetland's water-holding capacity by approximately 5.4 hectare-metres.
Attendance
Officials present included UT Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor VP Singh, Forest Secretary Mandip Singh Brar, Urban Planning Secretary Diprava Lakra, Deputy Inspector General Raja Ram from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Tourism Secretary Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden Anup Kumar Soni, Fisheries Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Chief Engineer CB Ojha, and experts from Panjab University's Zoology Department, WWF-India, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
