Based on the instructions of the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI), district Forest Department officials submitted a master plan to upgrade the Adumalleshwar mini-zoo in Chitradurga district.
The plans, estimated to cost Rs. 2 crore, include expanding the cages, creating walking paths as well as a separate play area for children.
The master plan was submitted two months ago and work will begin once the CZAI gives approval.
The sources said that every year, the department received a revenue of Rs. 4 lakh owing to the large number of visitors. After the zoo was upgraded, the entry fee would also be revised and the department would start getting more revenue, they added.
According to official sources, CZAI officials visited the Adumalleshwar mini-zoo in May 2012 and expressed their dissatisfaction over the facilities. They also criticised the lack of play area and walking space. They instructed the Forest Department officials to prepare a master plan to upgrade the zoo by utilising 25 acres of land. At present, the zoo is located on 10 acres of land. The officials had also set certain norms pertaining to the size of the cages, separate space for canteen, walking path and play area. As per their directions, a team of officials, led by the District Forest Conservator Kumarswamy , visited the Mysore zoo to conduct a detailed study of the facilities there.
According to sources, the officials interacted with the Mysore zoo authorities to prepare a master plan that would ensure that the animals in the mini-zoo were provided with better facilities.
