SHILLONG, March 26: The state government is optimistic not only about completing the construction of the zoo in Ri Bhoi but also relocating the animals from Lady Hydari Park to the new facility by December this year.
Disclosing that the first phase of the project is nearly complete, Forest and Environment Minister, James Sangma told reporters on Saturday the department is in the process of starting the second phase work.
The construction of animal enclosures was taken up in the first phase. The work is almost completed. Ticketing counter and parking and approach road to the zoo will be built in the second phase.
“We are expecting that by December, we can not only inaugurate the zoo but also relocate the animals to the bigger enclosures in the new zoo,” Sangma said.
Two years ago, the Central Zoo Authority had given necessary clearance for the Ri Bhoi zoo.
Earlier, the Comptroller and Auditor General had observed that even after 10 years since the release of grants, the work for the state zoo has not progressed.
It had said the project was affected due to “mishandling” by the Forest and Environment department.
Sangma said the department plans to keep the Lady Hydari Park as it is but in the future, it could be turned into an eco-park keeping in mind its ecological essence and to create more awareness among people on the protection of the environment.
Located in the heart of Shillong, the Lady Hydari Park is also known as Phan Nonglait Park.
It is the only park with a zoo in Shillong and a tourists’ destination.
