“Projects in the zoo to be expedited”

Forest Minister K.T.Pachamal observes the tiger enclosure at the Arringar Anna Zoological park. Photo: A.Muralitharan

Forest Minister K.T. Pachamal on Thursday visited Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.

The Minister, who arrived at the zoo around 3 p.m., was received by the officials at the zoo guest house on Kelambakkam Road.

From there he went to the administrative building, where the zoo authorities made a power-point presentation, for about 10 minutes, on the animals in the zoo and the different types of enclosures for them. The Minister went around the zoo in a golf cart accompanied by the officials.

Discussions

Later, talking to reporters, Mr. Pachamal said he was visiting the zoo for the first time after taking over as Forest Minister. He would hold discussions with the zoo authorities later and steps would be taken to expedite various ongoing development projects in the zoo, he said.

In 2001, the AIADMK government introduced several new schemes to protect forests and wildlife in the State. However, the next government shelved the projects, he said.

The Minister said that a public relations officer (PRO) would soon be appointed to share information with the media.

Bus terminus

To a query on re-introduction of bus terminus inside the zoo premises, Mr Pachamal said that at present, beautification works were on at the zoo entrance.

Once they are completed, efforts would be made to relocate the terminus inside, he added.