Centre nod to Ri Bhoi zoo project

SHILLONG: The state will finally get a zoological garden as the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the master plan for a new modernised zoo supposed to come up in Ri Bhoi district.
The 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 and 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 will take time as the CZA will have to approve the animal enclose designs as there are stringent rules for the enclosures.
At present, the state does not have a zoo and a few animals and birds are kept inside the Lady Hydari Park in the city. However, it is not a state-of-the-art zoo and there is no innovative method of display of animals and other facilities as per the guidelines of CZA. If the Ri Bhoi project becomes a reality, the state will get a proper enclosure for wild animals and birds following the central wildlife guidelines.
It is learnt that the CZA is now harping to make animal enclosures as close as to the natural habitat of the animals and not a mere showpiece.
It was also informed that the department has finished the 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 has not progressed and said the project has been marred because of “mishandling” by the State Forest and Environment department.
In a report, the CAG said 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 provide shelter to rescued wild animals.
A modernised zoo is the need of the hour as the state is yet to have a proper zoo except for the Lady Hydari Park where half portion of the park is for recreational activities while the other portion is for animal enclosures.