Plan to establish zoological park at M.R. Palayam hangs in balance

Sixteen years have gone since the State government mooted a proposal to set up a zoological park at M.R. Palayam on Tiruchi-Chennai Highway. However, it is yet to see the light of the day.

The zoo was conceived in 2010 when N. Selvaraj was Forest Minister. The Forest Department subsequently took some steps including construction of a compound wall and other works. By the time the proposal took a concrete shape, the tenure of the DMK government came to an end in 2011. The proposal was kept pending, and it was in limbo for several years. However, it was revived after the DMK government assumed office in 2021.

The Forest Department later took a number of steps. A Detailed Project Report was also revised by taking into account various aspects. As per the DPR, prepared about a year ago, the project was estimated to cost ₹120 crore. Similarly, it came out with a layout, detailing the plan of action on the number of animals and types of animals and birds to be kept in the zoo and the facilities to be created for them.

Since it was mandatory to get the nod of Central Zoological Authority (CZA), the Forest Department sent the layout, prepared based on the guidelines framed in 2009, for the proposed park about two years ago. 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 about a year ago. Similarly, the master plan and the animal collection plan were also sent to CZA. However, according to official sources, it is yet to approve the revised layout.

When contacted S. Kirithiga, District Forest Officer, told The Hindu that the department was awaiting clearance from 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 animals and the visiting public and entry and exit points.

She said CZA had raised some queries. 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. The queries were properly replied. Steps were being taken to get the approval of CZA as early as possible.