With 8 days for licence to expire, zoo makes new master plan

Nagpur: With eight days left for the Central Zoo Authority's (CZA) recognition to Maharajbagh Zoo to end, its operator the Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) on Wednesday submitted a revised master plan to the Maharashtra Zoo Authority (MZA). Without a CZA nod, no zoo can operate in the country.

The CZA on December 1, 2016 had evaluated the zoo and extended its recognition by 11 months till November 3, 2017. There are many stipulated conditions which have not been complied with.

The revised master layout plan with Rs20 crore works estimated was submitted to MZA member-secretary SS Dole by officer-in-charge of the zoo Dr SS Bawaskar. Dole said he will examine it and forward it to PCCF (wildlife) before it can be submitted to the CZA by the zoo authorities.

The new layout plan mentions extension of the zoo to 17 hectares from the earlier 10 hectares. The additional 8 hectares will have a green fodder belt towards western side of the zoo across the nullah on PDKV land.

Talking to TOI, zoo controller ND Parlawar says extension of zoo is under consideration. On non-compliance of many conditions put forward by the CZA, he says several problems pointed out have been complied with.

"We are in process of fulfilling other conditions. The PDKV has sanctioned Rs50 lakh for zoo's development. The funds have been revalidated last month only and the money will now be used for development," said Parlawar.

Parlawar said among the works that will be undertaken include erection of appropriate entrance gate and cafeteria, procurement of dustbins, upgrade of benches, installation of signage, upgradation of facilities for visitors, renovation and painting of enclosures etc

The zoo has not yet fulfilled many conditions like banning yoga classes inside the zoo, appointment of full-time wildlife biologist and education officer, modification of cages, facilities for visitors.

The CZA had also set a time frame to remove the partition between leopard and sloth bear enclosures and if not possible had asked the zoo to shift the sloth bear to Gorewada rescue centre.

The zoo also has excess number of exotic birds and the CZA had asked that they be reduced immediately. Of the 300 animals on display in the zoo, over 200 are birds.

The rescued otters brought to the zoo needs to be displayed in a proper enclosure. Though kept in a safe place, they have not been put on display.

Many changes were also suggested at the entry point. CZA had asked the zoo for a separate cabin for ticketing and ban on unhygienic food sellers serving material in plastic.

CZA member-secretary DN Singh did not respond to TOI's calls. CZA monitoring & evaluation officer BK Gupta said, "We will dispatch a new team to evaluate the zoo soon."

CZA CONDITIONS UNFULFILLED

* Proper animal enclosures

* Mate for bear, jackal, langur

* Enrichment of animal exhibits

* Spotted deer cages improvement

* Enclosure for otters

* Stoppage of yoga classes

* Civic facilities for visitors

* Upgradation of aquarium

* Replacements of pavement blocks