Chandigarh, Oct. 4 -- Punjab has set in motion the process to implement the Rs.760-crore biodiversity and natural resource conservation project, backed by a Japanese government agency, with the governing body approving the registration of a dedicated society and initiating the process to appoint a project management consultant. The Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resource Conservation Project is an eight-year, Rs.760.30-crore initiative supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed at enhancing tree and forest cover, conserving biodiversity, promoting integrated landscape and livelihood improvement, and strengthening institutional capacity. The minutes of discussion for the project were signed on January 15, 2025, while the formal JICA loan agreement was signed on March 27, 2025, between the Government of India and JICA. The Shivalik region is set to be a key beneficiary. At a meeting in August, forest and wildlife conservation minister Lal Chand Kataruchak said the programme would focus on agroforestry, groundwater conservation and integrated watershed management in the region, besides developing ecotourism and livelihood opportunities for local communities. At the first meeting of the project's governing body last month, held under the chairmanship of principal chief conservator of forests Dharminder Sharma, the government moved to formalise the implementation structure for the project. The governing body unanimously resolved to register the Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. Saurabh Gupta, chief project director-cum-member secretary, was authorised to complete the registration process and sign the required documents....