Summary:
The zoo authority has decided to permit the entry of herd animals like Sambar deer and nilgai in order to avoid interbreeding. The zoo has already been alloted a plot measuring 125 acres a few years ago.Acting director of the zoo Vijay Patil said on Sunday that the PMC would start its survey for preparing the DPR for the new zoo, also known as safari park, from next week.“Once the DPR is ready, we will submit it before the Central Zoo Authority for necessary approval. An independent panel will act like a watchdog,” said Pathak.The Zoo Authority of Maharashtra has announced that no new breed of animals would be permitted at the existing zoo given the abominable conditions prevailing at the premises and its non-compliance to laid down rules and regulations. We foresee no issues in getting the new zoo materialised in the near future.”Civic authorities said that the PMC appointed would also be shouldered the responsibility of improving the existing zoo so as to make it compliant with norms and regulations. As shifting the existing zoo could take considerable time, zoo authorities have been considering improving the current facility in the interest of different creatures.The proposal of shifting the zoo to the spacious plot in Mitmita has been in pipelne for more than five years.Environmentalist Kishor Pathak said the civic body should form a special independent committee involving advocacy groups and experts to ensure speedy and smooth relocation of the zoo..