Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park will be transformed into a world-class zoo under the 5T initiatives of the State Government.
A presentation was made before Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday by the State Forest Department for the transformation of the famous zoo, an official release stated.
The transformation will be done in two phases – the first phase from 2023 to 2025 and the second phase from 2025 to 2028. Chudang forest area will be used for the transformation of Nandankanan.
The Chief Minister has approved the proposal and directed to completely ban the use of plastic in Nandankanan. The CM also advised to complete the work within the stipulated time frame.
It is worth noting that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered to prepare a plan for the transformation of Nandankanan during the review of Forest Department on May 23.
The new plan envisages the development of additional improved visitor facilities, modern frontage and landscaping, tunnel aquarium, water bird aviary with new animals from abroad, emersive enclosures and nature education for children.
In the first phase of transformation, the zoo and botanical garden will be developed, while in the second phase, the Chudang forest area will be developed. It will develop night safari and safari complex.
There are plans to develop Nandankanan as an attractive hub on nature education for children. There will be programs like ‘Nandankanan Club’ and ‘Zoo Ambassador’ in some special schools along with activity-based zoos, nature education. Along with this, various activities like Citizen Science, Know Your Trees will be done. Special programs like internships and zoo volunteers will be organized for children.
There are currently 48 species of mammals, 77 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles and 6 species of amphibians in Nandankanan. There are a total of 4012 animals of 161 species. Now there are plans to bring more animals from different countries.