Punjab Plans Rs 760 Crore JICA Project to Expand Tree Cover, Protect Biodiversity

August 11, 2026

Chandigarh: The Punjab government has proposed an Rs 760.30 crore project with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expand tree cover, conserve natural resources and protect and enhance biodiversity across the state.

The proposed Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project will focus on agroforestry, natural resource conservation, biodiversity protection, groundwater preservation and integrated watershed management in the Shivalik region.

Punjab Forest and Wildlife Conservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak announced the proposal during a meeting on Tuesday.

Project to Promote Agroforestry and Protect Natural Resources

According to the minister, the project aims to promote agroforestry while supporting environmental and natural resource conservation.

It will focus on preserving groundwater and strengthening integrated watershed management in the Shivalik region. The project will also seek to improve farmers’ incomes and rural livelihoods.

Another objective is to help curb air pollution linked to stubble burning by encouraging alternative agricultural and agroforestry practices.

The project also includes measures to improve wetlands and conserve biological diversity across Punjab.

Rs 760.30 Crore Project to Run for Eight Years

The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 760.30 crore, with financial sharing proposed in an 85:15 ratio.

The project is expected to be implemented over eight years through a society-based model.

The Punjab Council of Ministers has already approved the project. The loan agreement has also been signed between JICA and the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Ministry of Finance.

The state government has further approved the formation of the Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Society for the effective implementation and management of the project.

Focus on Farmers, Rural Communities and Ecotourism

The proposed initiative will combine environmental conservation with measures aimed at increasing the income of farmers and rural communities.

Animal husbandry will also be developed alongside agriculture as part of the broader approach to improving rural livelihoods.

The project additionally seeks to promote ecotourism, which the government expects could provide a boost to local economies while encouraging conservation of natural resources.

The Punjab government has described the initiative as an important step towards sustainable natural resource management, environmental conservation and biodiversity protection, while creating opportunities to increase the income of farmers and local communities.