MAPUSA
Admitting that the Bondla zoo was not in the best of health, Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane on Thursday said the central government has recently approved a master plan for the Bondla zoo.
Rane also said that efforts will be made to upgrade the zoo phase-wise as it will take at least Rs 100 to 150 crore to bring about changes in the zoo.
“The master plan of Bondla Zoo has been recently approved by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. All upgradation works including improvement in facilities will be taken up as per the approved master plan,” Rane said in written reply to a starred question of Velim MLA Cruz Silva.
Silva pointed out that once upon a time the Bondla zoo was one of the favourite picnic spots for Goan families but lately the condition of the zoo had deteriorated and people had lost interest in visiting the spot.
He wanted to know if the government had any plans to revamp the condition and restore the former glory of the Bondla zoo.
The Forest Minister admitted the situation in the zoo was quite bad and it needed a total overhaul to restore the vibrancy of the place.
“We cannot take up peace-meal improvement work. We need at least Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore to bring about total change in the zoo. We have identified certain Foundations who are ready to take up the work,” Rane said.
The Forest Minister said Bondla Zoo was a small category zoo having thematic display especially of Western Ghats and fauna.
“The present collection comprises of 33 species including endemic animals and birds, the free ranging wild herbivores, carnivores and reptiles including sambhars, gaur, cheetal, leopard, bear, cobra, python, macaw etc which provides wonderful sight to visitors,” Rane said, adding that zoo has vast open landscape areas with aesthetic appeal.
The zoo has also been recognised as a participating zoo in ex-Situ conservation programme for Indian Gaur.
