Panchkula: The forest and wildlife department has moved a step closer to strengthening wildlife care and conservation infrastructure with the proposed construction of a wildlife treatment centre at Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary in Panchkula.Conceptualised under the 2025-26 Conservation Plan, the project aims to provide on-site medical treatment, rescue support and scientific examination facilities for wild animals found injured or distressed in the Shivalik region.Officials said the treatment centre will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 46.32 lakh. Once operational, the facility is expected to significantly enhance the department’s capacity to handle wildlife emergencies without having to shift animals to distant centres.The proposed centre will include a post-mortem room for scientific examination of wildlife deaths, supporting disease surveillance and legal documentation, along with a fully equipped veterinary clinic for the treatment of injured, sick and rescued animals.The project also provides for separate holding kraals for deer and leopards, designed to safely accommodate animals during treatment or rescue operations, particularly in cases of human-wildlife conflict.Forest officials said the centre would play a crucial role in ensuring timely medical intervention, rehabilitation and monitoring of wildlife, especially as forest areas in Panchkula frequently report injury and conflict-related cases.In addition, the department is undertaking conservation-related infrastructure works in sensitive forest zones. Work on constructing wire crate abutment walls at Khol Hai Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary and Bir Shikargah Wildlife Sanctuary has also progressed, aimed at preventing soil erosion, protecting natural drainage channels and strengthening forest structures, particularly during the monsoon.These measures form part of ongoing efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems and improve wildlife habitat management in the Shivalik belt.BOXWildlife Treatment Centre at Bir ShikargahEstimated cost: Rs 46.32 lakhFacility to be built under 2025-26 Conservation PlanWill house an on-site veterinary clinic for injured and rescued wild animalsPost-mortem room for scientific examination, disease surveillance and legal documentationSeparate holding kraals for deer and leopardsAim Faster response to wildlife injuries and human-wildlife conflict casesWill reduce need to shift animals to distant treatment centres
