Alipore zoo, Victoria to open early
TNN | Updated: Jan 19, 2019, 08:40 IST
Thousands throng Victoria Memorial whenever there is a rally in the Maidan area.KOLKATA: The city’s tourist hotspots, including Alipore zoo and Victoria Memorial Hall, rode piggyback on the influx of people from the districts on the eve of Saturday’s mega rally to clock record crowds on Friday.
The zoo was the top draw on Friday with over 19,000 people buying tickets. In comparison, the footfall was a shade under 10,000 on Wednesday. The zoo remains shut on Thursdays. “There is a nearly 100% jump in the number of visitors. Most of them have come from the districts, including north Bengal, for the rally. With thousands expected to pour in on Saturday, the police have asked us to open the zoo earlier than usual. Hence, we will be opening at 7am-7.30am instead of 9am,” said Alipore Zoological Garden director Ashis Kumar Samanta.
Ticketing staff and cleaners have been asked to report to work at least two hours earlier. “The cleaning and sweeping has to be completed by 7am. With transport a problem, some staff will stay over on Friday night so that they can start the day early,” said Samanta. Security will also be beefed up at the enclosures for tiger, chimpanzee, giraffe and kangaroo, which draw the largest crowds.
Police estimate around 55,000-60,000 people will visit the zoo on Saturday. Situated less than 2km from the rally ground, it is expected to take some load off the rally venue that is expected to spill over on Saturday when chief minister Mamata Banerjee joins hands with several other national leaders to give a unity call for the Narendra Modi government’s ouster.
At Victoria, located right across Brigade Parade Ground, the visitor count doubled as well. On Saturday, the queue to enter the sprawling garden is expected to get even longer. While rallyists would earlier spill over to the garden, the fencing of VMH will ensure there is no unauthorised entry. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that is in charge of VMH security will be present in full strength, but gardeners are worried that the flowering plants and shrubs may get trampled by the sea of people that will descend on Saturday.
The zoo was the top draw on Friday with over 19,000 people buying tickets. In comparison, the footfall was a shade under 10,000 on Wednesday. The zoo remains shut on Thursdays. “There is a nearly 100% jump in the number of visitors. Most of them have come from the districts, including north Bengal, for the rally. With thousands expected to pour in on Saturday, the police have asked us to open the zoo earlier than usual. Hence, we will be opening at 7am-7.30am instead of 9am,” said Alipore Zoological Garden director Ashis Kumar Samanta.
Ticketing staff and cleaners have been asked to report to work at least two hours earlier. “The cleaning and sweeping has to be completed by 7am. With transport a problem, some staff will stay over on Friday night so that they can start the day early,” said Samanta. Security will also be beefed up at the enclosures for tiger, chimpanzee, giraffe and kangaroo, which draw the largest crowds.
Police estimate around 55,000-60,000 people will visit the zoo on Saturday. Situated less than 2km from the rally ground, it is expected to take some load off the rally venue that is expected to spill over on Saturday when chief minister Mamata Banerjee joins hands with several other national leaders to give a unity call for the Narendra Modi government’s ouster.
At Victoria, located right across Brigade Parade Ground, the visitor count doubled as well. On Saturday, the queue to enter the sprawling garden is expected to get even longer. While rallyists would earlier spill over to the garden, the fencing of VMH will ensure there is no unauthorised entry. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) that is in charge of VMH security will be present in full strength, but gardeners are worried that the flowering plants and shrubs may get trampled by the sea of people that will descend on Saturday.
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE