LAHORE: The Punjabgovernmenthas announced the Chief Minister Wildlife Rescue Force for protecting wildlife, the officials in the Punjab Wildlife and Parks Department told Dawn.

The initiative is set to strengthen the province`s ability to respond to wildlife emergencies, offering a much-needed infrastructure to address the growing concerns for animal welfare.

The Chief Minister Wildlife Rescue Force will establish three state-of-the-artWildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centers(WR&RCs)inLahore,Khanewal and Rawalpindi to serve as pivotal hubs for rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for wild animals in distress.

With a focus on providing specialised medical care, including surgical procedures, these facilities will cater to a wide range of species, from big cats and ungulates to birds, reptiles, bears, and pangolins.

One of the defining features of this project is the creation of a dedicated wildlife helpline, seamlessly integrated with the Rescue 1122 service. This helpline will offer a direct line of communication for the citizens to report wildlife emergencies, allowing for swift and coordinated rescue efforts. The integration with Rescue 1122 ensures that the response to wildlife crises will be timely and well-organised, leveraging the resources and expertise of the provincialemergency service.

Furthermore, the project introduces a mobile veterinary service, branded as `Vets on Wheels,` which will bring vital medical assistance directly to animals in remote or inaccessible areas. These mobile units, equipped with essential medical supplies, will reduce the time it takes to treat the injured wildlife, ensuring that animals receive immediate care before being transported to the rehabilitation centres.

A key element of the Chief Minister Wildlife Rescue Force is its emphasis on professional development and community involvement. In parallel, the initiative will encourage public and private sector participation, inviting individuals and organisations to contribute to wildlife conservation.

The project also includes the procurement of critical rescue equipment such as capture guns and dart guns, whichwill enhance the capacity of the rescue teams to handle difficult or dangerous animals. The availability of these tools will ensure that wildlife is rescued safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of harm to both the animals and the rescuers.

The force is set to address a longstanding gap in wildlife conservation in Punjab. By improving the province`s ability to respond to wildlife emergencies, this project aims at not only ensuring the welfare of individual animals but also to contribute to the broader conservation goals of protecting Punjab`s rich natural heritage. Through the establishment of dedicated rescue centres, a coordinated helpline, mobile veterinary services and enhanced training, the initiative represents a transformative approach to managing wildlife crises and safeguarding the province`s biodiversity for the future.