Patna Zoo Set to Unveil Bihar's First Treetop Walkway in Major Revamp
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, widely known as Patna Zoo, is poised to introduce a groundbreaking new attraction—a treetop walkway, marking the first such feature in Bihar. The proposal has been formally submitted to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) for approval, with officials optimistic about a green light this month.
Project Details and Construction Timeline
Anand Kishor, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, announced on Saturday that the detailed project report is complete, and construction will commence upon CZA clearance. The initial phase will feature a 100-meter-long wooden walkway, elevated 15 feet above ground and spanning 16 feet in width, connecting two Ceylon oak trees with several others interspersed. The estimated cost for this innovative structure is approximately Rs 2 crore.
Comprehensive Visitor Facility Enhancements
During the second governing body meeting of the zoo's management and development society, Kishor outlined extensive upgrades aimed at improving visitor experience and operational management. Key initiatives include:
- Development of 15 selfie points at scenic locations throughout the zoo.
- Construction of a new cafeteria near gate no. 1, budgeted at Rs 4.87 crore, alongside two additional food kiosks.
- Reconstruction of gates no. 1 and 2 to incorporate archways, ticket counters, kiosks, cloakrooms, staff rooms, and souvenir shops, with another souvenir shop planned inside the premises.
- Addition of more toilets and water kiosks, costing about Rs 4.94 crore.
- Redesign of the children's park and installation of 150 eco-friendly benches across the zoo.
- Introduction of 16 paid guides, charging Rs 10 per service.
Staff and Infrastructure Improvements
The zoo has received approval for 23 new staff positions, including pharmacists and technical workers, while salaries for 346 existing employees have been increased by Rs 2,000 per month. Additionally, the toy train service will be revived and upgraded through a Rs 5 crore allocation to Indian Railways.
New Animal Displays and Meeting Participants
Kishor revealed that several animals acquired under the CZA exchange program from Delhi and Rohtak will be displayed after May 10. The new arrivals include six sangai deer, four white blackbucks, four rosy pelicans, four painted storks, two green iguanas, two silver pheasants, and a white tigress.
The meeting was attended by key officials such as Prabhat Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Abhay Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Climate Change and Wetlands), Bihar; S Chandrashekhar, Director of Ecology; Hemant Patil, Zoo Director; Mahabir Prasad Sharma, Special Secretary, Finance Department; and Smita Sinha, Additional Secretary, Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Department, among others.
