Assam State Zoo to Undergo Significant Modernization with Over Rs 300 Crore Investment
Click to start listening
Guwahati, Jan 1 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday commenced the foundation of a transformative initiative to revamp the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden, with a total investment of Rs 362.04 crore, as per official statements.
This initiative will introduce a variety of enhancements for both animals and visitors, aiming to establish the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden as a contemporary and state-of-the-art facility.
During the event, CM Sarma highlighted that the zoo-cum-botanical garden, which was founded in 1957, is the sole zoological and botanical institution in the entire North East, serving as a prominent conservation hub for the region's diverse biodiversity. Spanning a vast area, it is a sanctuary where numerous unique species of flora and fauna coexist.
Reflecting on his childhood visits to the zoo, he expressed that upon assuming the role of Chief Minister, he resolved to upgrade the facility. Consequently, the decision to allocate Rs 362.04 crore for its modernization was made.
The Chief Minister also announced that the state government has plans to establish two additional zoos in Dibrugarh and Silchar, respectively. These new facilities are intended to follow an open zoo model, with Rs 259 crore and Rs 214 crore allocated for their construction.
Furthermore, the government has decided to create an Institute of Wildlife and Health for wild animals in Chabua. Despite a significant reduction in poaching incidents in the state, a Special Task Force of the Assam Police has been tasked with addressing poaching cases involving elephants and tigers.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced that the state government has successfully cleared 74,115 bighas of encroached forest land, which has contributed to the increase in animal populations and the fight against poaching.
During the function, Sarma released a report titled ‘Elephant Population Estimation in Assam’. According to the report, the estimated elephant population in Assam stands at 5,828, reflecting a positive trend in wildlife conservation efforts in the state, as stated by the Chief Minister.
Among those present at the event were State Environment and Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal, MP Guwahati Bijulee Kalita Medhi, and several other prominent figures.
