SHILLONG, April 29: The severely-delayed Meghalaya Zoo project seems to be back on track with authorities contemplating to complete the remaining work including shifting of the animals from Phan Nonglait Park in the city to Umtrew in Ri-Bhoi by December.
Two years ago, the Central Zoo Authority had given necessary clearance for the Ri-Bhoi Zoo but the project got delayed.
Forest Minister, James PK Sangma had recently said that the first phase of construction work for the zoo has been completed.
Earlier, the Comptroller and Auditor General had observed that even after 10 years since the release of grants, the work for the zoo had not progressed.
It had said the project was affected due to “mishandling” by the Forest and Environment department.
Recently the Chief Executive Officer of Meghalaya Zoo Project Implementation Society issued tenders for construction of concrete block service path to animal enclosures, metalling and blacktopping of the internal road inside the residential area in the zoo, ticket counter and visitor cloak, washrooms, souvenir and gift shops, ATMs, wheelchair facilities, kiosks, curator’s office, cafeteria and residences for the zoo staff.
The existing Phan Nonglait Park is likely to be turned into an eco-park keeping in mind its ecological essence and to create more awareness among people on the need to protect the environment.
