SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s first theme zoo at Umtrew in Ri Bhoi district is yet to see the light of the day as the approval for some zoo materials included in the master plan, prepared in 2005, is pending with Delhi.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Friday, P.S. Nongbri, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Khasi Hills, said, “The difficulty is in the approval for different and specific cages with specific space, dimension and the zoo’s path. We have received the approval of 8 materials while 22 others are yet to get the seal of approval.”
The cages cannot be constructed as per the designs of the State Forest department since the approval of the design is up to the Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi.
Detailed specifications are laid down by the Central Zoo Authority on the width and height for construction of cages design for which vary from one animal to another.
Nongbri informed that 33 species of animals have been projected to be kept at the zoo while the birds meant to be kept at the zoo would be brought from Phan Nonglait Park (Lady Hydari Park), Shillong.
Replying to a query on whether exotic animals would be housed at the zoo, Nongbri said the proposed zoo area is a sloping territory and the animals, except for the ones already at Phan Nonglait Park, may find it difficult to adapt to the new environment.
Nongbri mentioned that the proposed State zoo will improve tourist inflow in Meghalaya and hence the assistance of the local people is of prime importance to bring about a change.
It may be mentioned that the proposed State zoo spread over 75 acres of land was supposed to be completed in 2011.
Incidentally, in 2009 it was reported that the project would cost Rs.19 crore and during the same year Rs.12 crore had been sanctioned for the construction work.
No recommendation on ex-gratia payment
Meanwhile, on being asked about the ex-gratia payment to the families of victims of man-animal conflicts, Nongbri said the payments have been cleared till 2013-14. As for 2014-15, the department has not received any recommendation from the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner.
Nongbri added that the figures of animals breaking into human habitation and causing injury or loss of life fluctuate from year to year.
Speaking on the measures adopted to prevent man-animal conflict, he said an elephant-proof trench was erected at Pahamrioh in Ri Bhoi and added that the situation has improved in recent times.
