Visitors throng Chhatbir zoo on New Year

Gaurav Kanthwal

Tribune News Service

Zirakpur, January 1

The first day of the New Year witnessed a heavy rush at the Chhatbir zoo with 2,700 persons entering the zoological park till 3.30 pm. The zoo authorities had to announce the status as house full and close to 1,000 people had to return disappointed.

An approaching weekend, plenty of leisure time and holidays are being seen as the reasons behind the heavy rush at the zoo, a one-of-its-kind facility in the region.

The Covid-19 guidelines issued by the government allow only 2,700 visitors in three shifts and that is why a sizeable number of people had to return a tad disappointed.

Zoo director M Saudhagar said, “It has been over 20 days since the zoo reopened. We are witnessing good numbers here on a daily basis. Covid has made people aware of the importance of nature and animals; that is why visitors love to come here with children. Also, the zoo is a pollution-free zone, which makes it an attractive getaway.”

On an average, 1,000-1,500 visitors have been coming to the zoo since December 10 when it reopened after a gap of nine months.

Considering the influx of visitors, the zoo authorities are planning to write to the government to increase the limit on daily visitors to the zoo.

“We are in the process of writing to the government to increase the number of visitors from 2,700. We are hopeful that by the month-end, the government will consider it and may allow more visitors daily,” the zoo authorities said.

Rajesh Sabharwal, a Sector 18 resident who had come with his family and two children, said, “My children wanted an excursion on New Year so I thought of spending the day here. It was pretty enjoyable for the children.”