SHILLONG: The State Forest department expects that the work for the new modernised zoo at Ri Bhoi district would pick up pace after Central Zoo Authority (CZA) approves the necessary designs of enclosures and lay out plans for the project.
An official informed that the land for the project was acquired in the year 2011 and the 12th Finance Commission has already granted Rs 30 for the project.
The State Government in the subsequent years received Rs 12 crores out of which the department has utilised Rs 3.2 crores for the construction of a boundary wall and internal road in the zoo site. The officials informed that architects were on the job to prepare the design of the enclosures after which the proposal would be sent to the CZA for its approval.
Once the project is commissioned, the mini zoo located in the heart of Shillong town will be closed and the entire Lady Hydari Park will be developed into a lawn.