Plan to make zoo self-reliant

Aiming at a revenue generation of Rs1.25 crore by this fiscal end through selling tickets at the Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, Indore Municipal Corporation plans to make it country's first self-depended zoo.

IMC officials disclosed their plans at foundation stone laying function of a sewerage treatment plant in the zoo and claimed the development plans include eco-friendly projects cost will be borne from the revenue generated from the tickets.

Indore Zoo in-charge, Dr Uttam Yadav said that its an outcome of their continue efforts that zoo administration, which annual income was around Rs35lakh a few years ago, has reached to `98 lakh and an income of Rs1.25 crores through selling of tickets is looking quite accessible for this year.

"Presently, expenses of around Rs1.5 crores are incurred in operating the zoo every year and we are expecting to earn that much amount in years to come to become country's first self-depended zoo" said Dr Yadav further adding that our ultimate aim is not earning money but to run the zoo as per the guidelines of Indian Zoo Authority.

The zoo will have a sewerage treatment plant to be constructed with an investment of Rs35 lakh. It will have a capacity to treat 50,000 litres water and would start functioning within four months. 

IMC would set up a plant while an NGO, TARU Leading Edge, would provide technical and mechanical support in its operation.

"The treated water would be used for irrigation, gardening and cleaning works in the zoo. The plant would also help to control foul smell from the nullah and cleaning environment. Besides, it would save Narmada and borewell water that is presently being used for carrying out different works in the zoo" said Mayor, Krishnamurari Moghe.

On this occasion, Moghe announced their planning to bring a pair of Lion here from Bilaspur while Indore zoo would give a tigress to Bilaspur Zoo, under an animal exchange programme. Besides, a male Lion would be brought here from Bhopal zoo.