Chandigarh: With the Sukhna wetland facing growing ecological challenges, Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria Thursday directed stakeholder departments to adopt a coordinated, science-driven approach for the long-term conservation of the water body and its catchment area.Chairing the fifth meeting of the Wetland Authority, Chandigarh, at Lok Bhawan, Kataria reviewed the progress of ongoing conservation initiatives and stressed the need for integrated management of the wetland, considered one of the region’s most important ecological assets.A key focus of the meeting was strengthening biodiversity and improving habitat quality. Expressing keen interest in the status of migratory birds visiting the Sukhna wetland, Kataria asked departments to explore measures to attract a greater diversity and population of avian species. He also suggested installing informative display panels on migratory birds around the wetland to promote public awareness and nature education.The authority also reviewed scientific interventions being undertaken for the wetland’s restoration. Officials informed the meeting that a fish diversity survey conducted by Panjab University recorded more than 20 fish species in the Sukhna wetland, with indigenous varieties accounting for over 80% of the total diversity. Based on the findings, the fisheries department has released 10,000 fingerlings of catla, rohu and mrigal to strengthen native fish populations.Another major initiative under way is scientific desiltation at the regulatory end of the wetland. Being carried out on the recommendations of IIT Roorkee in consultation with WWF-India, the exercise is expected to enhance the wetland’s water holding capacity by around 5.4 hectare-metres.The authority also considered a proposal for a comprehensive study of the Kansal diversion canal and measures to check soil erosion in the catchment area through soil and moisture conservation works.Kataria emphasised that sustainable weed management, catchment protection and biodiversity conservation must remain central to future efforts, directing departments to work in close coordination to safeguard the ecological health of the Sukhna wetland.The meeting also finalised the official logo of the Wetland Authority, UT Chandigarh, and reviewed compliance with decisions taken during its previous meeting.
