The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the master plan for the development of Tyavarekoppa tiger and lion safari near here.
B.Y. Raghavendra, Shivamogga MP, told presspersons here recently that the 33th meeting of CZA held on February 12 gave the approval. The CZA directed the safari authorities to ensure that drinking water supply, power distribution, sewage treatment plant and drainage works are executed during the implementation of the master plan in the safari as per the existing guidelines.
Tyavarekoppa safari, spread over 617 acres, has 354 animals that includes four lions, seven tigers and 30 leopards. The master plan has been designed for display of animals and birds in a thematic manner.
As per the master plan, a spacious open enclosure will be created for the leopards resembling their natural habitat. It has been planned to construct a herbivore safari on three acres with separate enclosures for deer and bison. An enclosure would come up on three acres for display of aquatic birds. A crocodile and a reptile park will also be established.
More than 2.60 lakh tourists had visited Tyavarekoppa safari in 2017-18. After the master plan is implemented, the footfall will increase.
The Department of Forest and Wildlife will be asked to prepare an estimate on the cost for implementation of the works that figured in the master plan.