PANJIM: The master plan for the Bondla Zoological Park that focuses on the holistic and integrated development of the zoo has received an in-principle approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). The State Forest Department has been working on the plan since 2008.
According to the master plan, new enclosures will be built for animals like tigers, leopards and sambar, along with other upgrades to showcase the diverse fauna of the Western Ghats. The new plan has been prepared as per the guidelines laid down by the Central Zoo Authority.
“As proposed in the master plan and with the prior approval of Central Zoo Authority, the Department is already working on modifying or restructuring the amenities at the zoo including the enclosures and other in-house facilities for the animals,” sources said.
A grand entrance plaza, high-quality restaurants, recreational activities, a play area for children and other facilities are being proposed as part of the plan.
Sources said that the department has obtained the necessary approvals from the government to procure a tiger and tigress from a rescue centre in Nagpur, in exchange for a pair of bison. “However, the date of their arrival is yet to be finalised,” sources said, adding that a new pair of hippopotamuses and wild boar will be also procured.
The Forest Department has also proposed the procurement of exotic birds and acquisition of barking deer, pheasants, exotic primates, iguana, mouse deer, grey jungle fowl among others.
The Forest Department had in 2008 drawn up the first master plan, over which the Central Zoo Authority had raised certain queries. As per that plan, the area of the zoo would have increased from 10 hectares to 40 hectares.
In 2016, the Department began to rework the plan to comply with the guidelines laid down by the Central Zoo Authority. The existing zoo structure dates back to 1969.
