SHILLONG: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has finally approved the master plan for the new modernised zoo supposed to come up in Ri Bhoi district.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, CP Marak told The Shillong Times that the master plan was approved after a long struggle and now detailed drawings of the animal enclosures. Now, other segments of the zoo will have to be approved by the CZA.
Stating that the department has started the process of preparing the detailed design of the enclosures, he, however, added that the process would take some time. There are stringent rules for the enclosures.
It is learnt that the CZA is now suggesting making animal enclosures as close as possible to the natural habitat of the animals and not mere showpieces.
It was also informed that the department had finished construction of the boundary wall of the proposed zoo.
Earlier, the CAG had observed that even after 10 years of release of grants, work on the state zoo had not progressed and said the project had been marred because of “mishandling” by the state Forest and Environment Department.
In a report, the CAG mentioned that the 12th Finance Commission in 2005 had recommended a grant of Rs 30 crore to construct a zoological park at Umtrew.
Accordingly, Rs 12 crore was released to the Forest and Environment Department in 2007.
The objective was to provide conservation, breeding for endangered wild species and shelter to wild animals rescued from forests.
A modernized zoo is the need of the hour in the state as the state is yet to have a proper zoo except for the Lady Hydari Park where half of the park area is meant for recreational activities leaving the rest half for animal enclosures.