By Our Reporter
Shillong: In a setback to the proposed construction of the State Zoo at Mawlein Mawkhan in Ri-Bhoi district, the Central Zoo authority has put its objection to the design of the enclosures for animals.
Informing this here on Wednesday, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, VK Nautiyal, said that the Central Zoo Authority raised objections to the master plan design of the enclosures for animals.
The project, which has already suffered from several roadblocks, is now set for further delay.
“We are revamping the enclosure designs as each and every animal needs different kind of enclosure,” Nautiyal added.
The State Forest Department has already received Rs 12 crore from 12th Finance Commission for the Rs 19-crore project. The remaining Rs 7 crore would be made available under the 13th Finance Commission.
Commenting on the present status of the construction work, Nautiyal said that construction of the boundary wall is going on at present.
Once complete, the zoo, replete with modern amenities, would be able to house several large animals including all the animals presently kept at the Lady Hydari Park in Shillong.
The upcoming zoo is to be built on a 75-hectare plot in Ri Bhoi district around 35 kilometers from Shillong. An amount of Rs 3-4 crore would be incurred for the maintenance of the zoo yearly, Nautiyal informed.