JOIN USRain forests, woodland waterbodies and a butterfly park along with facilities to accommodate more than 200 species and 2,000 inmates have been proposed in the new master plan unveiled on Thursday for the National Zoological Park here.
Director ceneral (forest) P J Dileep Kumar released the master plan, which also proposes display themes in the zoo such as central Indian highlands, peninsular India and Himalayan foothills at the Delhi Zoo, on the occasion of its 54th foundation day.
“This master plan from 2012 to 2031 will guide the development process of National Zoological Park for next 20 years with provision of mid-term review after 10 years,” Amitabh Agnihotri, director of the Delhi Zoo, said.
Major works include upgradation of 39 numbers of existing enclosures, 30 new enclosures and bringing 65 per cent area under the woodland water bodies.
“The new set up will accommodate more than 200 species and more than 2000 inmates. New facilities such as aquarium, insectarium, butterfly park and rain forest will also be prepared,” Agnihotri said. Implementation of the master plan will require about Rs 159 crores.The master plan envisages thorough upgradation of infrastructural facilities such as road network, water supply, surface drainage, power supply as well as visitors’ amenities such as toilets, kiosks, restaurants and shelters.
The Park, which was formally inaugurated on November 1,1959 by Union minister Punjab Rao Deshmukh, houses about 105 species of mammals, reptiles and birds.
The park, popularly known as Delhi Zoo, was given the status of the National Zoological Park in 1982 with the idea of making it the model zoo of the country.