Coimbatore : The popular VOC park mini zoo in the city is all set to get a facelift as the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has set things in motion for the renovation and expansion project.
Coimbatore : The popular VOC park mini zoo in the city is all set to get a facelift as the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has set things in motion for the renovation and expansion project.
It is reliably learnt that the CZA has given formal nod for the planned renovation and expansion of the VOC Park Mini Zoo within the set deadline of one year.
The City Corporation in the meantime has been instructed to report the progress to the CZA periodically (once in every two months)...
The corporation officials have prepared a tentative detailed project report (DPR) for the expansion project of the mini zoo which would be expanded spread over 25 acres.
The zoo's current area is approximately around 4.35 acres and the mini zoo houses birds, mammals, and reptiles.
The CZA almost a year ago cancelled the license given to CCMC to run the zoo because it did not meet the mandatory conditions set by the CZA.
It was instructed to obtain the recognition again, and to do that the zoo must be renovated as per CZA’s norms to the meet quality standards set for the upkeep of the captive animals.
The CCMC has now set its eyes on 25 acres at Coimbatore Central Prison complex out of the total 40 acres for to implement the project. The site was handed over by the State Government to the City Municipal Corporation in 2010 to develop 'Semmozhi Poonga'.
According to an earlier plan, out of the total area earmarked at Semmozhi Park, six acres was to be handed over to Sports Development Authority of Tamilnadu (SDAT).
Presently, the City Corporation is mulling over minor changes in the original plan and is thinking swapping the places for the implement the project.
According to a senior official “The SDAT has been requested to use the whole of VOC Park whereas the area earmarked for them at Semmozhi Park shall be utilized for the zoo.
After the completion of the expansion project, the animals would be moved into the new place at Semmozhi Park and the revamped zoo would be provided with recreational facilities. New animals are also expected to be added to the proposed zoo.
As per the CZA authorities, the time-bound expansion would be completed with a year While DPR should be finalized, tender floated and the expansion work should have begun with in nine months and the project should be completed within a year..