Barang: In a bid to beautify the Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) and attract more visitors, the zoo authorities have expedited the process of renovating Kanjia Lake and planned to revive the toy train and rope way services.
NZP sources said Chilika Development Authority (CDA) has been roped in to renovate the lake. CDA will clean the lake before desilting it. “We have held detailed discussions with CDA officials to renovate the water body on the NZP premises. Work for the project will start by April-end,” said a zoo official.
“We will dump silt from the lake on a low-lying plot near the parking lot of the park. Plans are also afoot to construct a lawn and beautify the zoo entrance,” the official added.
NZP usually receives annual grants from the Central Zoo Authority and the state government to improve infrastructure and facilities for the visitors. Sources said NZP authorities have planned to recruit a junior engineer to prepare designs and estimates for the development projects. Moreover, they will engage a retired revenue inspector to indentify the zoo land and fix its boundaries.
“We have planned to revive the ropeway and toy train services at the zoo during this year’s Durga puja. Two central government accredited agencies will be engaged for the twin purposes,” said NZP assistant director Jayanta Kumar Das.
NZP sources said steps are being taken to put in place parking facility for tourist buses near Gate No. 9 of the zoo. “We will construct drinking water kiosk, ticket counter, waiting room and a few lavatories at the parking lot,” said the official.
Moreover, the zoo authorities have decided to engage a medical team to provide primary healthcare to visitors. “A doctor and two nurses will be engaged to treat visitors in emergency. We will arrange a room for the medical team and supply it medicines and equipment,” added the official.
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