PANAJI
In a major boost to the Goa government’s plan for upgrading Bondla Zoo, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) approved the master plan of Bondla Zoological Park, around three months after the proposal was granted in-principle approval by the Central Zoo Authority.
With the final go-ahead, the authorities will be able to undertake development of Bondla on a large scale as the master plan proposed new orientation of cages for the zoo besides overall upgradation at the wildlife sanctuary.
While approving the plan, the ministry’s letter to Chief Wildlife Warden in Goa on Wednesday directs the State to revise the plan to confirm the submission year, that is, for 20 years starting from 2022-23 and to furnish updated information about animal inventory, number of sanctioned posts and posts to be created, enclosure and constraints, etc.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane took to social media to inform about the approval and assured to carry out holistic and integrated development through in the right perspective.
“I am grateful to Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav for approving the master plan for Bondla Zoo. This plan will help us to implement our strategic vision and conservation mission, in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will ensure holistic and integrated development through this master plan in the right perspective,” he said.
The State Forest Department had been working on the plan since 2008 and this latest master plan, revised in 2016, is as per the guidelines laid down by the CZA.
The authorities proposed new enclosures for tigers, leopards and sambar, along with other upgrades to showcase the diverse fauna of the Western Ghats. A grand entrance plaza, high-quality restaurants, recreational activities, a play area for children and other facilities were also included in the plan. The Forest Department also proposed procuring exotic birds, barking deer, pheasants, exotic primates, iguanas, mouse deer, and grey jungle fowl among others.
