Punjab's First Leopard Safari Coming Soon

The Punjab forest department has initiated a significant development plan totaling ₹5.36 crore for the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Wildlife Sanctuary, previously known as Jhajjar-Bachauli. This initiative aims to transform the sanctuary into Punjab's premier leopard tourism destination. The project includes the establishment of a dedicated leopard safari, a nature interpretation center, and various eco-friendly visitor amenities such as watch towers, walking trails, and elevated decks.

The first phase of development, budgeted at ₹2 crore for the 2026-27 financial year, is poised to commence within a month of receiving formal state government approval, which is anticipated within a fortnight. Spanning nearly 289 acres across three villages in the Shivalik foothills, the sanctuary is a critical habitat for diverse wildlife, including leopards, sambar, and various bird species.

This venture is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Anandpur Sahib region and create local employment opportunities through eco-tourism services. The infrastructure is meticulously designed to prioritize sustainable tourism and ecological conservation, minimizing human interference while promoting biodiversity awareness. The sanctuary's renaming honors Guru Tegh Bahadur, commemorating his 350th martyrdom anniversary.