And it came to him after a decade of existing in a surrounding that he evidently got accustomed to. A soft flooring, in contrast to the previous concrete one, that made his movement within his enclosure easy, was the least he could get. Thanks to the Executive Director K B Markandaiah’s keen involvement in initiating new designs with the aim of taking the park to international standards along with supporting the three dedicated volunteers (a wildlife researcher and a couple of IT professionals) in doing so.

“When the park was set up three decades ago, it was merely a place that people could come for a good weekend picnic. Soon the idea for a biological park was mooted but it was done in a haphazard manner that didn’t involve too much forethought. It was after the Central Zoo Authority was set up that certain regulations came into fore and presently it is our aim to follow those standards and make this park a better place for the inhabitants as well as visitors,” shares Markandaiah.

But he is quick to add that he isn’t alone in this initiative to revamp the park. Apart from monetary assistance from the Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) and the Karnataka Tourism department, he says a few spirited volunteers have come forward to do their bit in this venture. “It’s an integral part of any development to have a strong force of individuals who can work towards the cause. It makes the entire initiative possible,” he says.

The first step of this re-design was without doubt expansion, adding another 40 hectares to the existing land area. The new area will mostly house primates and nocturnal animals in larger enclosures that will have as natural a condition as possible. “Trees will be planted that will provide these animals some room for activity. More space to move around and the most important aspect — only one-third of the enclosure will be open for visitors while the major part of it will be closed keeping in mind the importance of the privacy of the animal,” says Markandaiah, adding that a large aviary for the many birds they house is also part of the plan.

Vigilant watch
Apart from the major developments, it has come to the notice of the volunteers that some visitors fling leftover food and other waste at the animals inside enclosures disturbing them. “This is a major nuisance and to tackle this problem, we are considering installing surveillance cameras at strategic points to monitor visitors as well as ensure that guards on duty are always vigilant,” he says. 

Along with development comes education that’s equally and maybe more important. For this, the park will have an Interpretation Centre set up by the Karnataka Tourism department. Here, there will be useful information on the animals at the park and regular screening of films related to wildlife and conservation. “We are also setting up Green Shops that will have environment-friendly articles such as t-shirts, pens, among others that can be taken back as memorabilia. Food courts, more restrooms and a designated parking area, away from the enclosures is being developed.

Even safaris will be planned in such a way that it does not interfere too much with the animal’s routine. Training programmes for guards is yet another crucial facet that we aim to do on a regular basis,” shares Markanaiah.
Volunteers feel that if the revamp goes as per the blueprint and lives upto the expectations of the people, the Bannerghatta Biological Park might just be able to set a benchmark for other parks in the country that are awaiting the redesign. 

Revamping of the park
* Work began in February 2007
*Adding 40 hectares to the existing area of the park
*Estimated cost of the entire project — Rs 10 crore
*Funded primarily by KUIDFC and Karnataka Tourism department along with contributions from a few corporates
*Plan to add jaguars from Singapore, racoons and squirrel monkeys from South America and hyenas from Jharkand to the park is on the cards
*The project plan includes:
* Larger enclosures for animals designed akin to their natural conditions — trees for cats and monkeys, bamboo plantations for elephants to name a few:
* Keeping only one side of the enclosure open for visitors taking into consideration privacy of the animals.
* Closed-circuit television (CCTVs) will be installed to monitor strategic enclosures
* Green shops to promote environment-friendly memorabilia
* Interpretation centre to educate visitors on the animals along with training programmes for guards.
* The project is due for completion by the end of March 2008
*Volunteers are welcome to assist in cash and kind. Those who want to do their bit for the inhabitants of the park can get in touch with Sharada and Rateesh on www.bannerghattabiopark.in by following the link directed to the volunteer committee.