Skip to main content

Changa Manga, Uchali Lake, Chashma selected for ecotourism

LAHORE: Ecotourism, the country’s pioneering initiative, led by the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department, and developed in accordance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, marks the first structured effort that offers a unique blend of nature-based experiences, animal conservation, cultural immersion and education, ensuring sustainable tourism that benefits both biodiversity and local communities.

Considering the ecological significance of Changa Manga, Uchali Lake and Chashma for their rich flora and fauna, these sites were strategically selected for ecotourism development, officials at the Forest, Wildlife and Fisheries Department told Dawn.

Mentioning initiatives taken under the spotlight of ecotourism, the officials said the proposed ecotourism development.

Changa Manga Forest Reserve, located 80km south of Lahore, spans over 12,500 acres and is one of the world’s largest man-made forests. It is home to a rich variety of native flora and fauna. With the proposed ecotourism development, the annual visitor footfall is expected to be 1.5m, reflecting increased public interest in nature-based recreation and conservation tourism.

According to the officials, key attractions such as the Botanical Bird Paradise with Butterfly Garden, Mini Zoo, and Animal Enclosures are designed to foster biodiversity awareness, promote wildlife education, and support species conservation efforts. A range of engaging facilities including an Information Centre, Amphitheatre, Craft Bazaar, Picnic Areas, and a Heritage Walk will provide visitors with a diverse blend of recreational, and cultural experiences.

Immersive nature experiences such as the jeep safari, electric tram rides, watch towers and jeep tracks have been planned for the tourists. The visitors will engage with the environment through a variety of well conceived, eco-friendly facilities that enable immersive and responsible interaction with the forest’s natural landscapes and wildlife.

A medical centre will be established to provide prompt emergency healthcare services, with special preparedness for incidents such as snake bites and other wildlife-related injuries, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors, staff, and researchers. The project also emphasises capacity building and community empowerment through training programs for staff and local stakeholders.

The officials say that the development of ecotourism at Uchali Lake and Chashma is projected to attract 250,000 visitors annually at each site, providing opportunities for nature-based recreation while ensuring the preservation and protection of sensitive habitats through regulated access, infrastructure planning, and visitor education.

The sites will feature a variety of eco-accommodation options such as ecolodges and glamping pods, offering comfortable yet environmentally responsible stays. Boating and fishing decks, along with kids’ play zones will provide family-friendly and immersive outdoor experiences that encourage engagement with nature in a safe and controlled manner.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2025



from The Dawn News - Home https://ift.tt/W1gnQ5Y
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani skipping home run derby

Baseball’s biggest star is skipping the home run derby. Shohei Ohtani confirmed after Tuesday’s win over the Diamondbacks that he will not be participating as he continues to rehab an elbow injury that has prevented him from pitching this season. “There’s been some conversations going on,” Ohtani said, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com . “I’m in the middle of my rehab progression, so it’s not going to look like I’ll be participating.” Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani and the club reached the decision together. Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers after winning his second AL MVP award last season with the Angels. Despite his elbow injury, he has served as the Dodgers’ primary DH this season and been one of the most productive hitters in baseball. Ohtani entered Tuesday hitting .316/.399/.635 with a 1.034 OPS. He hit his NL-leading 27th home run in the win. Ohtani had previously participated in the Derby in 2021. Last season’s champion, Vlad...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pakistan flag installed at UNSC as country becomes non-permanent member for 8th time

The Pakistani national flag was installed in front of the United Nations Security Council chamber, as the country began its eighth term as a non-permanent member (2025-26) of the 15-member body, according to a press release issued by the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations on Thursday. Pakistan on Wednesday began a two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Elected in June to replace Japan, Pakistan now occupies one of the two Asia-Pacific seats on the UNSC. It will preside over the council in July, a key opportunity to set the agenda and foster dialogue. View this post on Instagram This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the council, providing an opportunity to shape discussions on pivotal international issues, but also posing significant challenges. “As part of the joining ceremony, flags of the five new incoming non-permanent members — Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panam...
Post a Comment
Read more

Heathrow resumes operations as global airlines scramble after shutdown

London’s Heathrow Airport resumed full operations on Saturday, a day after a fire knocked out its power supply and shut Europe’s busiest airport, causing global travel chaos. The travel industry was scrambling to reroute passengers and fix battered airline schedules after the huge fire at an electrical substation serving the airport. Some flights had resumed on Friday evening, but the shuttering of the world’s fifth-busiest airport for most of the day left tens of thousands searching for scarce hotel rooms and replacement seats while airlines tried to return jets and crew to bases. Teams were working across the airport to support passengers affected by the outage, a Heathrow spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “We have hundreds of additional colleagues on hand in our terminals and we have added flights to today’s schedule to facilitate an extra 10,000 passengers travelling through the airport,” the spokesperson said. The travel industry, facing the prospect of a financial ...
Post a Comment
Read more