Chandigarh, January 19, 2026:Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, today chaired the meeting of the State Board of Wildlife (SBWL). During the meeting, the Board discussed six key agenda items.

Adminstrator Shri Gulab Chand Kataria presided over the proceedings and guided the discussions on wildlife conservation priorities in the Union Territory. The Chairman reviewed the status of actions taken on earlier decisions and the progress on the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.

He advised that meetings of the State Board of Wildlife should be conducted every six months for regular review and monitoring of wildlife and habitat concerns.

While declaring the Striped Tiger Butterfly as the State Butterfly, the Board directed the Department of Forest and Wildlife to launch wide publicity and public awareness campaigns, especially at railway stations, tourist destinations, and other important public places, to educate people about the new State symbol.

Dr. S. S. Grewal, Member of the Board, appreciated the Sukhomajri Project and highlighted the vital importance of the Sukhna Lake watershed, underlining the Forest Department’s efforts in soil and moisture conservation, silt retention, and ensuring regular water inflow into the lake.

The Hon’ble Chairman also instructed the Department of Forest and Wildlife to take proactive steps for the improvement of wildlife and its habitat. He further directed the Department to explore the setting up of a wildlife learning centre for the public and students, such as a Biological Park or enclosure, in accordance with rules, regulations, and statutory provisions.

The meeting concluded with a firm reaffirmation of the UT Administration’s commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation and ecological sustainability in Chandigarh.

The meeting was attended by Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla, Mayor, Chandigarh; Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Home Secretary-cum-Secretary, Forest and Wildlife; Shri Saurabh Kumar, CCF & Chief Wildlife Warden; Shri Pushpender Kumar, IG Police, Chandigarh; Shri Anup Kumar Soni, CF, Chandigarh; Shri Navneet Kumar Srivastava, DCF, Chandigarh; and other members of the State Board of Wildlife.