The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : New zoological park to come up at Tiruchi soon

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Sunday, Apr 13, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

New zoological park to come up at Tiruchi soon

P. Oppili

CZAI gives
in-principle nod
for project
Area inside Reserved Forests identified

CHENNAI: A new zoological park will come up at Tiruchi soon with the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) agreeing, in principle, to the proposal.

The State government has identified 110 ha inside the M.R. Palayam Reserved Forests, 25 km away from the town on the Tiruchi–Madurai National Highway, according to a Forest Department source.

Under the first phase, the authorities will get Rs.10 crore for developing the zoo, and in the second phase an equal amount will be provided, says the officer.

The CZAI authorities say they have asked State Wildlife authorities to take up the work of constructing perimeter wall for the zoo. However, works such as internal road network, water supply connection, electricity supply will be taken up only after obtaining prior approval from the CZAI.

The CZAI and the State government will share the expenses on the zoo. For example, the perimeter wall will be constructed with matching grants, with the CZAI sharing 50 per cent of the cost, and the remaining borne by the State government.

Similarly, the administrative building and residential quarters for the staff will be constructed with matching grant, the officer says. The CZAI will fully fund the construction of enclosures and purchase of battery-operated vehicles for the zoo, the officer says.

Nod for safari

The CZAI has approved the master layout plan for the proposed ‘Night Safari’, coming up near the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur.

A total of about 30 enclosures will form part of the night safari, say Wildlife authorities. The design and lighting for these enclosures will be approved by the CZAI one by one. Last year, the State government allocated Rs.5 crore for taking up clearing, perimeter wall construction and other related works for the night safari area. The works are progressing, according to an official.

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