PANAJI
The State government is drafting a proposal for animal exchange programme as the Central Zoo Authority, under the Union Ministry, recently approved an integrated development master plan for Goa’s lone zoological park in Bondla.
In his Budget speech, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that animal exchange programme among other proposals for upgrading the zoo and expanding its staff including veterinary experts is in the process. “A comprehensive proposal is being prepared. It is the only zoo in the state and the government will make the best efforts to make Bondla Zoological Park more attractive,” he said.
The plan with a vision of the next 20 years is undergoing some improvements in line with the amended zoo rules wherein at least 30 percent of the area earmarked for the zoo should be kept under the green belt and natural vegetation and the area for animal housing should not exceed another 30 percent area of the zoo. The housing of different animals is also being looked into.
Forest Minister Vishwajit Rane, in a recent media statement, claimed the plan will help Goa to implement the strategic vision and conservation mission.
The masterplan was scrutinized and deliberated upon in the 106th technical committee meeting of the Central Zoo Authority held on September 27, 2022, and recommended for approval subject to compliance with observations communicated by the members of the expert group on zoo designing. Subsequently, the recommendation of the technical committee was approved by the Chairperson of the Central Zoo Authority.
