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Proposal for safari at Koorgalli

Funds sought for zoo parking
Last Updated 20 February 2015, 18:15 IST

Following demands by elected representatives, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the officials concerned to submit a proposal to launch safari at the Chamundi Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre at Koorgalli, of Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, here, on Friday.

He was speaking after inaugurating the centre located on the outskirts of Mysuru. The proposal for a safari, if sanctioned by the State, will serve as a measure to generate revenue at the 113 acre centre.

He said, the State government has spent Rs 215 crore for the erection of rail track fences around reserves, where cases of man-animal conflict are being reported. The Forest department should ensure adequate water supply and fodder for animals inside reserves, so that they do not stray into human habitations, he said.

Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister B Ramanath Rai said, the Mysuru Zoo was facing a severe space crunch and there has been requests to expand the facility.

He suggested, the land currently under lease with the Mysore Race Club could be handed over to the Zoo, when the lease period of the club ends. Such a move will also allow the Zoo to conduct safaris near its premises in the city, he said.

Commenting on the revision of compensation in cases of man-animal conflict, Rai said, the relief provided in the State is the highest in the country. Compensation for cattle death has been revised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, while compensation for goats and sheep is increased to Rs 5,000 from Rs 3,000, he said.

Demands
Chairperson of the Zoo Authority of Karnataka Rehana Banu said, Mysuru Zoo, which attracts close to three million tourists every year is facing parking problems since several years. She said, the proposal for multi-level car parking facility, in front of the Zoo, had not made head way and urged the Chief Minister to sanction Rs 30 crore for its construction.

She said, an aquarium subway has been planned between the Zoo and Karanji Lake at an estimated cost of Rs 14 crore. She also sought funds for upgrading various zoos in North Karnataka.

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(Published 20 February 2015, 18:15 IST)

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