The Hindu : New Delhi News : Zoo autonomy move stalled again

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 17, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Zoo autonomy move stalled again

By Bindu Shajan Perappadan

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 16. The long-awaited move to grant autonomy to the National Zoological Park in the Capital -- first mooted in 1995 and revived again this year -- seems to have been stalled. And though making the zoo autonomous can help improve its functioning and efficiency, it seems it has to wait for some more time before getting a free hand.

"While we haven't got any green signal from the Government or even an indication of giving the National Zoological Park - better known as Delhi Zoo -- a free hand, what has happened is that the staff went on strike protesting against the impending autonomy. Talks about giving the zoo autonomy have been going on for many years now but nothing concrete has happened,'' explains the zoo Director, B.S. Bonal.

Arguing that the proposal would improve the overall working of the zoo, Mr. Bonal adds: "The paperwork involved in keeping the zoo in order is time-consuming and simple things like repairs, increasing the size of cages and upkeep are very challenging. The zoo has been requesting for an independent status for a while but things haven't moved in our favour.''

According to insiders, it was discouraging to see that the move was stalled yet again after some talks this year. "The autonomy status if introduced would provide an easy solution to various day-to-day problems faced by the national zoological park.''

An autonomous body status to the zoo would mean it would no longer fall under the ministry and all administrative as well as financial powers would be vested with the director. "Giving a free hand to the zoo means that it would use its resources better and even start doing what it was primarily meant to do -- to become a scientific centre where study and research happens and not just a place where animals are exhibited for the public. With autonomy the zoo would develop into a well-groomed organisation that is result-oriented and fulfils its objectives,'' explains the scientific officer of the Central Zoo Authority, Bipul Chakraborty.

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