Entry fee for the Nehru Zoological Park is set to go up across categories, based on a decision taken during the Zoos and Parks Authority of Telangana’s (ZAPAT) governing body meeting on Tuesday.
For adults, the charges will be increased from ₹60 to ₹70 on weekdays, and from ₹75 to ₹80 on Sundays and holidays. For children, the fee will be up from the existing ₹40 to ₹45 on weekdays, and from ₹50 to ₹55 on Sundays and holidays.
The meeting chaired by Minister for Environment & Forests A.Indrakaran Reddy also resolved to develop the zoo to match international standards, to mark the completion of 60 years.
Improvement of wildlife habitat, importing exotic fauna, glass partitions for the enclosures of tigers and lions so as to allow a closer view, more amenities and establishment of environmental education centre were a few measures proposed for development.
All the zoological parks in the State should also be improved, the meeting decided. Animal care and display facilities are to be bettered in the Kakatiya Zoo Park in Hanamkonda, Pillalamarri Mini Zoo Park in Mahabubnagar, Lower Maneru Deer Park, Karimnagar, and Kinnerasani Deer Park, Paloncha. The meeting also discussed amenities in KBR National Park, Mrugavani National Park, Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali, and other urban forest parks.
Curator Prashanth Patil made a presentation on the existing facilities and opportunities for growth in the Nehru Zoological Park, and was directed by the Minister to expedite the implementation with expert advice.
The government board has resolved to extend the animal adoption scheme, to take measures to stop the water from Miralam tank entering the zoo, and to hold consultations with the departments concerned to provide alternative water supply for animals through Mission Bhagiratha drinking water scheme.
PCCF (HOFF) R.M.Dobriyal, Director (Zoo Parks) Vinay Kumar and other officials participated in the meeting.
