Chandigarh, September 2:
The preservation of wildlife is imperative for the maintenance of ecological balance hence the Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is paying specialized attention to the proper upkeep and care of both the zoos as well the animals lodged therein. As part of this, the Forests & Wildlife Preservation Department has undertaken several measures aimed at the infrastructural development of various zoos across the State.
Disclosing this in a statement here today, the Forests & Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak said that since the new government has assumed the reins of the State in March this year, 3 carnivore enclosures with critical care facilities have been renovated in the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir. Besides, the metal barriers have also been constructed in front of the carnivore enclosures at the Chhatbir zoo aimed at ensuring the safety of visitors with an open air Zoo Education Plaza also been put in place at the entry gate of the zoo. Also, a 3 Km long Service Circulation Pathway (with the inclusion of fencing) has been developed along the boundary of the zoo.
As regarding the Patiala zoo, leopard and gharial enclosures have been constructed with a boundary wall and a cafeteria at the Ludhiana zoo. A boundary wall has also come up at the Bir Talab Zoo in Bathinda, said the Minister.
Notably, the M.C. Zoological Park at Chhatbir has also seen the acquisition of the animals of different varieties such as Wild Dog, Hyena, Grey Pelican and Bonnet Macaque from the Vishakhapatnam zoo. Similarly, Gaur, Indian Grey Wolf, Himalayan Goral, Sarus Crane, Black Swan, Lady Amherst Pheasant have been acquired from the zoo at Mysuru (Mysore).
