Electronic gates or e-gates started operating at the entrance of Mysuru zoo on Monday. The gates open to visitors only after reading the barcode printed on each ticket.
Ten e-gates had been installed at the main entrance, which is part of the entry plaza nearing completeion. The system prevents unauthorised access, besides giving real-time information on visitor numbers. Currently, five e-gates are operational and the zoo staff was seen assisting the visitors in entering through the gates. Ten e-gates had been installed at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh by a private firm. The entry plaza, which consists of ticket counters; a canopy for visitors and a stone wall, is coming up at a cost of Rs. 42 lakh and will be able to accommodate about 800 ticket buyers.
Once the entry plaza is ready, which is expected in May, visitors will not have to stand outside the zoo in long queues to purchase tickets.
Steps have been taken to build separate entry and exit gates for visitors. At present, the entrance is also being used for the exit, causing congestion at the gate.
Zoo Executive Director B.P. Ravi told The Hindu that an exit gate will be built a few metres away from the present entrance gate and the counter for battery-operated buggies will be positioned near the entry plaza.
Staff at the control room built at the entry plaza monitor the e-gate operation. Any fault with the entry system is quickly detected and addressed to ensure smooth and hassle-free entry of visitors.
