Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab govt has declared 13 wildlife sanctuaries across the state as plastic-free zones .The move is expected to curb plastic waste in ecologically sensitive areas and promote responsible tourism. Forest and wildlife preservation minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said sustained conservation efforts and public awareness campaigns have yielded encouraging results. “Our govt consistently worked to sensitise people about the need to nurture and protect wildlife. The response from the public has been extremely positive,” he said. Kataruchak said five prominent wetlands of Punjab — Harike, Ropar, Kanjhli, Keshopur and Nangal — were included among 100 identified by the Centre for priority development. These wetlands will receive focused attention for ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and infrastructure enhancement. Indus dolphin state animal The Punjab govt has declared the Indus river dolphin as the state aquatic animal. The species, found in the Beas river stretch of the state, is considered endangered, and its recognition is intended to enhance focused protection and awareness measures.
