Special Correspondent,

Maharajbag zoo that was deregonised by Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in the first week of December last has got conditional extension for one more year from C K Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, on Monday.

After receiving the notice, the zoo authorities had made an appeal to the Secretary on January 2, 2019 for holding hearing. The Secretary held the hearing at Delhi in presence of officials of the zoo and CZA on Monday. The authorities concerned extended the period of the zoo on the conditions that it should stop morning walkers, yogasan mandal, maintain documents properly, upgrade enclosures of wild animals, improve veterinary aspect, fill up of vacant posts, provide facilities to visitors, carry developmental works etc.

While agreeing to the conditions, the zoo authorities pointed out that they could not take up developmental activities in the zoo in absence of sanctioning of the master plan and layout plan. Mishra asked CZA officials, including Brijkumar Gupta, Scientific Officer, to give approval to the plans within a month in order to enable Maharajbag zoo take up the activities. It has also been decided that the officials of CZA would inspect whether the developmental works have been completed or not in one year.

Dr Devanand Panchbhai, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture, and Zoo Controller, had requested the Secretary about sanctioning of the plans that are pending with CZA for the last about three years. He assured that the zoo would immediately undertake works once the plans are approved.
Dr Sunil Bawaskar, In-charge Officer, Maharajbag zoo, apprised the Secretary of importance of the zoo and emotional attachment of the citizens to it. It is learnt that this the last chance given to zoo authorities for extension.