Forest Department revises layout and DPR for M.R. Palayam zoo park

The Forest Department has sent a modified layout of the proposed zoological park at M.R. Palayam on Tiruchi – Chennai Highway to Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval.

Since it is mandatory to get the nod of CZA, the Forest Department had sent a layout for the proposed park about a year ago. It was prepared based on the guidelines framed in 2009. However, CZA returned the layout, asking the officials to redraw the layout based on the updated guidelines. By taking into account the new guidelines, the Forest Department redrew the layout and sent it to CZA for approval.

S. Kirithiga, District Forest Officer, told The Hindu that steps for getting clearances from CZA for establishing the zoological park had been expedited. The master plan and animal collection plan had also been sent to CZA. As per the new layout, the zoo would be established on 20 acres of land. The layout had all details including the sizes of animal enclosures, safety of the animals and the visiting public, entry, exit points.

She said that CZA was expected to take up the layout, master plan, and animal collection plan for approval shortly. It was expected that the plan would receive its green signal. Details of flora and fauna, disaster management plan, emergency evacuation of animals, firefighting, emergency food supply, first aid centre for visitors, and a contingency plan to prevent escape of animals from enclosures had also been explained in detail.

Ms. Kirithiga said the plan estimate of the project had also been revised by taking into account various aspects. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) had been prepared. The project would be implemented at an estimate of ₹120 crore. It was under consideration of the State government. The guidelines of CZA would be strictly adhered to while creating all needed infrastructure for housing animals, birds, and others.

The DFO said that once the proposal received the final approval from CZA, the process of collection of animals would begin. The animals, which were suited to the agro climatic condition of the park, would be kept in the park.

The zoo, which was conceived in 2010 when N. Selvaraj was the Forest Minister, is yet to see the light of the day, although some civil work, including the construction of a compound wall, have been taken up. The process of establishing the park, which was in limbo for several years, was revived after the DMK government assumed office in 2021.