Five Years On, Over Rs83 Crore Maharajbagh Zoo Redevelopment Proposal Still In Cages
Nagpur: A proposal for the redevelopment of the iconic Maharajbagh Zoo was submitted to the Maharashtra govt five years ago, but is yet to be cleared. The zoo authorities submitted the Rs83.24 crore proposal to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities for animals and birds, alongside the beautification of the attached garden in 2020-21.
For unknown reasons, the proposal was never cleared.
The zoo had proposed the latest animal procurement, equipment, moats for direct viewing, improved facilities for visitors, a parking lot, and landscaping works. The lack of funds has left the zoo and garden in poor condition despite being a major attraction for citizens and educational institutions for picnics. In fact, this is the only zoo in entire Vidarbha, and study tours and picnics for students from all districts are organised throughout the year.
The delayed redevelopment has left visitors disappointed for years. The zoo and garden witness an average footfall of 3,500 to 4,200 per month, while its earnings from the entry fee are pegged at around Rs2 crore. One of the major changes the zoo administration plans is developing moats for the seamless public display of animals. Currently, iron bars and mesh hamper a clear public view of animals and don't give a natural feel.
Besides this, the development of washrooms, drinking water facilities, an interpretation centre, internal roads, a compound wall, a library, an amphitheatre, a cafeteria, a post mortem room, a quarantine area, restoration of water bodies, watch towers, and trenches were planned. Sunil Bawaskar, officer in charge of the zoo, said regular follow-ups have been made with the govt. "Once the Maharajabagh Zoo Society is formed, the proposal will be expedited," he said.
Officials from PDKV, which owns the zoo, said the agricultural university has multiple colleges, research centres, and training farmlands, which occupy most of the attention. "During meetings with top govt officials, zoo issues are rarely raised as university representatives are more focused on student-related matters. Also, the zoo being a totally different concept, they may not be as sensitive to the urgencies of this facility," they added.
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