By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Union Government has at last approved the master plan of the state zoo to set the dice rolling.
Proposed to be set up at Mawlein Mawkhan in Ri Bhoi district, the construction of boundary wall of the zoo is nearing completion.
Even after being sanctioned Rs 12.5 crore out of the total budget of Rs 19 crore, the colossal project witnessed a delay of 4 years. The venture acquired more than 75 hectares of land but remained held up — waiting for a final nod from the Centre.
Informing this to The Shillong Times here, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) YS Shullai said that the boundary wall was almost complete except for a few portions near the National Highway due to the ongoing road construction by National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).
“After the approval of the master plan, we were able to carry out the first phase of the project at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore from the Rs 12.5 crore sanctioned by the Centre,” Shullai said.
Once completed, the zoo, replete with modern amenities, would be able to house several large animals including those presently kept at the Lady Hydari Park in Shillong.
When asked if the department encountered any problem relating to land acquisition, Shullai said that the areas had been earmarked much earlier and people volunteered to offer their land for this purpose.
“There is no problem relating to acquisition of the 75 hectares of land as such and we are in the process of acquiring more,” the CCF Wildlife said.
He further informed that after the completion of the construction of the boundary wall, the department would be in a position to start with the construction of buildings, roads and other infrastructure which will likely take off in the onset of the winter season. Foreseeing the hurdles ahead, Shullai said “There is a possibility that the project might fall short of fund and we are exploring the possibilities to meet the shortfall.”It may be mentioned that the remaining Rs 7 crore out of the total budget of Rs 19 crore which is yet to be sanctioned, would be made available under the 13th Finance Commission.
It may be reminded that in 2011, the Central Zoo Authority raised objections to the master plan design of the enclosures meant for animals.