Nine months starting September is the time limit that the Central Zoo Authority has given the Coimbatore Corporation to start the zoo modernisation project.
Sources in the Corporation said that the Authority gave the time limit after a team from here met it in New Delhi a few days ago.
Within the next nine months, the Corporation should finalise the detailed project report for zoo modernisation, submit the same to the Authority for approval, carry out changes, if any, and thereafter float tenders for taking up the work.
During this nine-month period, the Corporation would have to submit a status report every two months, as mandated by the Authority.
The current status of the zoo was that the consultant the Corporation had engaged for the purpose of preparing the detailed project report had almost completed his work. Once the consultant submitted the report, the Corporation would study it, take it to the Authority for approval, carry out changes if necessary and float tenders to start work.
The Corporation had been struggling to modernise the zoo, which at present does not have adequate space for over 500 birds, mammals and reptiles. The Corporation had housed all of them within the 4.35 acre zoo.
After scouting for land in various parts of the city, the Coimbatore has now zeroed in on the 20.53 acre land near the Coimbatore Central Prison to develop the zoo. The land was earlier earmarked for developing 'Semmozhi Poonga'.
