<p>Bengaluru: The entry fee to Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru will go up by 20 per cent with Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre approving a proposal in this regard on Thursday.</p><p>Khandre, who chaired the 159th administrative board meeting of the Karnataka Zoo Authority, looked into the proposal to hike the fee by 50 per cent. Stating that a sudden increase of 50 per cent would be steep, he approved a 20 per cent hike.</p><p>At present, adults pay Rs 100, while children between 5 and 12 years are charged Rs 50 as entry fee to the zoo. The minister added that there should be no increase in the fee to hire vehicles.</p>.BJP MLA in Mysuru complains of discrimination, denial of funds for roads in segment.<p><strong>Penguin park</strong></p><p>Khandre advised officials to drop the proposal to build an aquarium in Karanji Kere. Stating that experts have opined that the building could be better used for a penguin enclosure, he told officials to come up with a proposal on the same.</p><p>The minister also directed officials to provide additional conveniences and facilities to attract more visitors. He suggested exchange of animals with zoos in other countries to enhance the experience of the visitors.</p><p>Khandre said action plans should be made to make the zoos economically self-sufficient within the next five years. For the zoos in the mining-affected region, funds from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) should be used, he said.</p><p><strong>Rs 20 cr for Bidar bird sanctuary</strong></p><p>The minister directed the authorities to release Rs 20 crore for developing a bird sanctuary proposed in Bidar that will house exotic birds. He also approved the release of Rs 2 crore for the zoo in Davangere.</p><p>Officials were told to provide basic facilities like drinking water, rest rooms and other facilities in the zoos of the state. They were also told to strictly enforce the ban on single use plastic in the zoo premises.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: The entry fee to Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysuru will go up by 20 per cent with Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre approving a proposal in this regard on Thursday.</p><p>Khandre, who chaired the 159th administrative board meeting of the Karnataka Zoo Authority, looked into the proposal to hike the fee by 50 per cent. Stating that a sudden increase of 50 per cent would be steep, he approved a 20 per cent hike.</p><p>At present, adults pay Rs 100, while children between 5 and 12 years are charged Rs 50 as entry fee to the zoo. The minister added that there should be no increase in the fee to hire vehicles.</p>.BJP MLA in Mysuru complains of discrimination, denial of funds for roads in segment.<p><strong>Penguin park</strong></p><p>Khandre advised officials to drop the proposal to build an aquarium in Karanji Kere. Stating that experts have opined that the building could be better used for a penguin enclosure, he told officials to come up with a proposal on the same.</p><p>The minister also directed officials to provide additional conveniences and facilities to attract more visitors. He suggested exchange of animals with zoos in other countries to enhance the experience of the visitors.</p><p>Khandre said action plans should be made to make the zoos economically self-sufficient within the next five years. For the zoos in the mining-affected region, funds from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) should be used, he said.</p><p><strong>Rs 20 cr for Bidar bird sanctuary</strong></p><p>The minister directed the authorities to release Rs 20 crore for developing a bird sanctuary proposed in Bidar that will house exotic birds. He also approved the release of Rs 2 crore for the zoo in Davangere.</p><p>Officials were told to provide basic facilities like drinking water, rest rooms and other facilities in the zoos of the state. They were also told to strictly enforce the ban on single use plastic in the zoo premises.</p>