TREE-TOP WALKWAY TO BE BUILT AT PATNA ZOO

TREE-TOP WALKWAY TO BE BUILT AT PATNA ZOO

15-JUNE-ENG 6

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA----------------------------Preparations are underway to transform Patna Zoo into a world-class facility. A meeting of the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park Management and Development Committee was held at the zoo on Saturday, presided over by Anand Kishore, Principal Secretary of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Several significant decisions were taken during the meeting. Approval has been granted for an infrastructure development project worth ₹9.81 crore.

Anand Kishore, Additional Chief Secretary of the department, stated that approval has been given to create and fill 23 positions at the Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park; these roles include both permanent and contractual positions. Additionally, the monthly wages of the 346 daily-wage workers employed at the park have been increased by ₹2,000; consequently, their pay will rise from ₹11,200 to ₹13,200.

Kishore mentioned plans to develop several new facilities within the zoo, including the construction of two food kiosks and a cafeteria. Gates No. 1 and No. 2 will be reconstructed at a cost of ₹4.94 crore. This project encompasses not just the gates themselves but also state-of-the-art ticket counters, a souvenir shop (offering zoo-related or commemorative items), a cloakroom for luggage storage, staff rooms, and restroom facilities.

Furthermore, the number of toilets at Patna Zoo will be increased, and existing ones will be renovated; water facilities will also be expanded. Kishore added that a new cafeteria and two kiosks will be built near Gate No. 1 at a cost of ₹4.87 crore. Additionally, a 'tree-top walkway' will be introduced at the zoo.

"A proposal for the tree-top walkway has been submitted to the Central Zoo Authority, and we are awaiting their approval. This will offer visitors the unique experience of walking at the level of the tree canopy. From this elevated walkway, tourists will be able to observe birds and wildlife while enjoying the beauty of nature from a better vantage point." — Anand Kishore, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Kishore also stated that the zoo's Children's Park will be reconstructed as part of this same initiative. Various gaming activities will be installed to ensure a better experience for visiting children. Additionally, 15 high-quality, attractive, and aesthetically pleasing selfie points will be set up within the zoo premises. The number of benches in Patna Zoo will also be increased, with the installation of 150 eco-friendly benches. The existing benches are made of stone and heat up in the sun; the new benches will be made of high-quality wood and will be attractive, comfortable, and visually appealing.

Anand Kishore stated that Patna Zoo has already made a payment of ₹5 crore to Indian Railways for the toy train, and work on this project is set to begin soon. Furthermore, 16 zoo guides have been appointed, and their service rates have been fixed. If a visitor books an electric vehicle along with a guide, they will have to pay an additional ₹10 per person for the guide, over and above the ticket price.

"The rates for guides were finalized during the meeting. The guide service was introduced this month; while the charge was previously ₹20 per guide, it has now been reduced. He added that the target is to complete all the projects approved today within the next one to one-and-a-half years." — Anand Kishore, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.