In a bid to check pollution on its premises, authorities at the Nehru Zoological Park have decided to implement a ban on cars from Friday.
The Zoo and Parks Authority of Telangana (ZAPAT) on October 1 took the decision to prohibit entry of cars to reduce pollution. The order would be implemented from Friday, P. Mallikarjuna Rao, Director of Zoo and Parks, Telangana said on Thursday.
Despite the zoo charging a high entry fee of Rs.1,000 for cars, it had failed to act as a deterrent for visitors. On Sundays and holidays, around 300-400 four-wheelers were seeking entry to the park.
“The decision was taken to bring down pollution levels though it costs the zoo a revenue fall of around Rs.2.50 crore a year,” Mr. Rao said.
The zoo currently has a fleet of 35 battery-operated vehicles, and the numbers would be increased to 50 soon.
For visitors, bicycles are also provided at the entrance and their numbers raised from the present 50 to 100.
“The train inside the zoo has been recently repaired and renovated, and we will be adding one more bogie to it in a month’s time,” he added.
