Guwahati, Oct 2 (PTI) Assam Environment and Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah on Friday said the State Zoo cum Botanical Garden here was being redeveloped as a “world-class wildlife destination” under a project worth around Rs 340 crore.
He inaugurated the 72nd Wildlife Week and reviewed the progress of construction and development work being undertaken at the zoo.
The minister said the state government was making efforts to transform the zoo into a leading wildlife destination with modern infrastructure and improved visitor facilities.
He said several new facilities were being developed to enhance the zoo’s infrastructure while preserving and utilising its natural environment.
The ongoing redevelopment would significantly improve the zoo’s profile and help establish it as a prominent zoological destination both nationally and globally, he said.
The zoo’s natural surroundings provided an important advantage in developing a distinctive wildlife experience for visitors, Baruah said.
“With several new additions, we are rebuilding the zoo and once the work is completed, I believe we will be able to transform it into a leading zoo, not only in India but also internationally,” Baruah said.
One of the major attractions planned as part of the project is a large bird aviary.
The minister said the facility was being developed on a significant scale and could potentially become one of the largest bird aviaries in the world.
The aviary is expected to add a new dimension to the zoo’s attractions and strengthen its appeal among wildlife enthusiasts and visitors.
The redevelopment plan also includes the introduction of a toy train facility to enable visitors to tour the zoo more conveniently.
The minister said the proposed service would allow tourists and other visitors to explore the premises while improving accessibility across the large zoo complex.
The development work was progressing at a satisfactory pace and a visible outline of the proposed facilities could emerge over the next three to four months but completing the entire redevelopment would require additional time, he said.
Forest Department officials had visited zoological parks in Bengaluru and Chennai to study existing facilities and incorporate relevant practices into the Assam project, Baruah added.
In a social media post, he said, “Inaugurated the programmes of the 72nd Wildlife Week this morning at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. The celebrations began with Gaja Puja, followed by the flagging off of a bike rally by the zoo’s forest personnel from the zoo to Pobitora.”
“Earlier, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and inspected the progress of various ongoing development works at the zoo and botanical garden,” he added.
The programme was attended by senior officials of the Forest Department along with officers and staffers of the zoo, the minister added. PTI DG ACD
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