Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Punjab to expand tree cover, enhance biodiversity through JICA
The state of Punjab in India wants more trees, cleaner air, and healthier nature.
The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has a big plan to make this happen.
The plan is called the Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project.
To help with it, the government is working with JICA, a group from Japan that helps countries with development projects.
The plan will help farmers plant trees alongside their crops, which is called agroforestry.
It will also protect wild plants and animals, save groundwater, and take care of wetlands.
The project wants to reduce the smoke from burning leftover crop stubble, which makes the air dirty.
It will also help villagers earn more money through farming, raising animals, and nature tourism.
The project will cost about Rs 760.30 crore and will last for eight years.
Government officials have already approved the plan and signed a loan agreement with JICA.
Punjab's Forest Department has approached the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for collaboration on the proposed Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project.
The project aims to promote agroforestry, conserve natural resources, protect biodiversity, preserve groundwater, and undertake integrated watershed management in the Shivalik region.
It also targets increasing farmers' income, curbing stubble-burning air pollution, boosting rural incomes, promoting ecotourism, and improving the state's wetlands.
The total estimated cost is Rs 760.30 crore with financial sharing in an 85:15 ratio, and the project is proposed to run for eight years through a society mode.
The Punjab Council of Ministers has approved the project, and a loan agreement was signed between JICA and the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance.
- Who
- The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Forest and Wildlife Conservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance.
- What
- The proposed Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project to expand tree cover, enhance biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and boost rural incomes.
- When
- Announced on Tuesday at a meeting in Chandigarh; the exact date is not specified.
- Where
- Punjab, India, with a focus on the Shivalik region.
- Why
- To protect biodiversity and natural resources, preserve groundwater, curb air pollution from stubble burning, and increase the income of farmers and rural communities.
- Project name
- Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project
- Announced by
- Forest and Wildlife Conservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak
- Collaborating agency
- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
- Estimated cost
- Rs 760.30 crore
- Cost sharing ratio
- 85:15
- Duration
- 8 years
- Key focus areas
- Agroforestry, biodiversity protection, groundwater preservation, watershed management, wetlands, ecotourism
- Implementation mode
- Society mode (Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Society)