What’s Happening with the Disappearance of Animals from India’s Oldest Zoo?
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Synopsis
Former Trinamool Congress MP Jawhar Sircar raises concerns over the dramatic decline of animal numbers at Kolkata's historic zoo. With reports of over 300 animals missing and land being auctioned off, he demands accountability from the West Bengal government. Discover the shocking revelations surrounding India's oldest zoo.
Key Takeaways
- Significant decline in animal numbers at Alipore Zoo.
- Concerns raised by former MP Jawhar Sircar.
- Petition filed for investigation into animal disappearance.
- Land auction by HIDCO raises eyebrows.
- Call for transparency from the West Bengal government.
Kolkata, July 24 (NationPress) Former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Jawhar Sircar, who left the party last year due to disagreements over the R.G. Kar rape & murder case, has requested clarifications from the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government regarding the alarming decline in animals at Kolkata's renowned zoological garden, the oldest in the nation.
Sircar has also criticized the West Bengal government for allegedly auctioning a section of the Alipore Zoological Garden located in South Kolkata.
“What is occurring at Alipore Zoological Garden? According to their reports, the population of animals and birds has decreased by half within a year. In 1996, the zoo housed 1872 animals; now, that number is merely 351! Are they being stolen or smuggled?” Sircar questioned in a social media post on Thursday.
Interestingly, a petition has been submitted to the Calcutta High Court by a local NGO, Swazon, calling for an investigation into the alleged sudden disappearance of over 300 animals from the Alipore zoo’s records within a year, which is recognized as the oldest zoo in India.
The petition asserts that the zoo's animal count stood at 672 at the end of the financial year 2023-24, but plummeted to 351 by the start of 2024-25.
Moreover, the NGO has highlighted that the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) recently issued an e-tender inviting bids for the auction of land at 34A, Belvedere Road, Alipore, intended for commercial purposes.
Sircar, a former India Administrative Service (IAS) officer, expressed concern that instead of enhancing the zoo's condition, the state government is planning to auction a significant portion of its land.
“This area includes a veterinary hospital and several key buildings. This land is supposedly being sold for a privately owned marine park. That's intriguing, but why here? Who benefits from this?” Sircar queried.
He further insisted on the need for transparency, as the situation appears quite perplexing. “I also want to know the precise number of animals and birds and the steps being taken to improve the zoo,” he added.
To date, neither the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) nor the West Bengal Zoo Authority (WBZA) has made any public statements or reports addressing these issues.
IANS
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Point of View
It is crucial to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability. The alarming decline in animal numbers at Kolkata's Alipore Zoological Garden raises significant concerns, not only about wildlife management but also about the government's commitment to preserving our natural heritage. Urgent clarification is needed to ensure public trust.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered Jawhar Sircar's demand for clarification?
Jawhar Sircar's demand stems from the sudden and dramatic decline in animal numbers at the Alipore Zoological Garden, prompting concerns about their welfare.
How many animals are reportedly missing from the zoo?
Reports indicate that the number of animals has decreased from 672 to 351 within a year, with over 300 animals vanishing from records.
What is the significance of the Alipore Zoological Garden?
The Alipore Zoological Garden is India’s oldest zoo, established in 1876, and is a vital part of the nation’s wildlife conservation efforts.
What actions have been taken by local organizations?
Local NGO Swazon has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court seeking an investigation into the overnight disappearance of animals.
What land auction is being discussed?
The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) has posted an e-tender for auctioning land at Belvedere Road, which is concerning given its proximity to the zoo.
