Commissioner Secretary reviews progress on Jambu Zoo Project, Khanpur Nagrota

SRINAGAR : Commissioner Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma, today reviewed progress on Jambu Zoo Project being executed by the department of Wildlife Protection at Khanpur, Nagrota, Jammu.

Pertinently, the current phase of the project is being funded by JKIDFC and the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 62.41 crore. The project, on completion, will enable Jambu zoo to host several Native and Exotic animals in its 17 enclosures apart from having various public amenities.

During the review, Chief Wildlife Warden, Suresh K. Gupta, apprised the Commissioner Secretary that various works worth over Rs 30 crore are under progress and tendering of works worth Rs 6 crore is in process. Besides, several major components such as boundary fencing, leopard enclosure, tiger enclosure, porcupine enclosure, staff quarters, animal feed store, animal kitchen, slope stabilization works, view points, reservoirs, cafeteria are in advanced stage of completion. He also informed that works on other animal enclosures is at different stages of construction/tendering. He said that despite continued Covid related restrictions the department is making all efforts to complete the project by November-December this year.

Regarding sourcing of animals for the Zoo, Commissioner Secretary was apprised about in-house availability of 50 per cent of the animals as part of Manda Mini Zoo relocation to the upcoming Jambu Zoo. The Black Bucks are being procured from Delhi Zoo for which the permission from Central Zoo Authority has been received, he added.

With regard to sourcing of animals like Lion, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Crocodile, Gharial the department has taken up the matter with the respective organizations in Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Commissioner Secretary advised the Wildlife Protection Department for regular monitoring and updation of balance critical activities like Water Supply System, Electric Supply, Zoo Security and Aviary construction. He also directed for regular follow-up with source states for timely import of animals.

The Jambu Zoo shall be the first full fledged Zoo in Jammu and Kashmir and shall be major attraction for tourists besides serving as a centre for education and awareness about Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation.

The meeting was attended by Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu, Director Finance, Director Planning and Wildlife Warden Jambo Zoo.