Respite in sight for Zoo parking woes

Following the objection to the multi-level parking complex proposed at the park (existing parking lot) opposite Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, the District Administration has decided to develop a full-fledged parking lot at a part of Dasara Exhibition Grounds at Doddakere.

Presiding over the meeting held in this regard, at her office on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha said, “The new parking lot, for the benefit of the visitors coming to the Zoo, will come up on 12 acres of land at Doddakere, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.6 crore. The State Tourism department has sanctioned the funds and the Nirmithi Kendra will execute the works, in one month”.

Shikha said, “In the wake of the increasing number of visitors to the menagerie, the existing parking space opposite the zoo is insufficient. The number of tourists swell during Dasara and the vehicles are parked on the roads in front of the zoo, inconveniencing the flow of traffic, explained Shikha.

On an average, the zoo receives 33 lakh visitors per year, with 31.63 lakh visiting it in the year 2014-15. Last year, 30.49 lakh footfall was recorded, while in 2012-13 it was 30.26 lakh. Prior to that, in 2011-12, 30.34 lakh visitors were recorded and in 2010-11 26.07 lakh, according to Executive Director B P Ravi.

The visitors accounted for an average of 12,000 buses, 15,500 tempos, two lakh cars and jeeps, 80,000 two-wheelers and 100 bicycles against the space available to park 8,041 buses, 13,041 tempos, 1.39 lakh cars and jeeps, 46,196 two-wheelers and 47 bicycles, at the lot, Ravi added.

The newly-identified site at Doddakere will be developed as per architects plan to create a facility for not less than 1,000 cars. The exhibition authority can also explore the option of bearing the project cost and maintaining it on its own, suggested Ravi.

MLA Vasu explained that it is intended to develop as a one stop facility for tourists with plans to build a tourism plaza, ATM counter, including hotels, shops, toilets among other facilities. To ensure hassle-free visit to other tourist spots in the city, a common counter to issue e-tickets to the Palace, zoo and also Chamundi Hill temple will be opened.

Talks are also on to launch a shuttle service under a circuit covering tourist spots like Brindavan Gardens at KRS and Srirangapatna, in Mandya district, said Vasu.