Zoo of international level over 350 hectare on cards

Bhopal:March 29, (Yasha Sharma) Efforts have been stepped up to set up a modern zoo of international level on the lines of Singapore under phase two of Van Vihar National Park at Bhopal. Renowned wildlife expert and former director of Singapore Wildlife Park Shri Barnard Harrison made a presentation about this proposed ambitious project proposed to be developed over 350 hectare near Kairwa eco-tourism centre here. The presentation was made at the Cruise Boat at Boat Club. Shri Harrison gave valuable suggestions regarding the proposed scheme. Minister for Forests and Tribal Welfare Kunwar Vijay Shah; Minister of State Shri Narayan Singh Kushwah; Vice Chairman of State Planning Commission Shri Sompal and senior officers concerned were also present on the occasion. It may be mentioned here that the Minister for Forests Kunwar Shah has directed the departmental officers to bring Van Vihar National Park on the international wildlife tourism map in view of its distinct geographical location. It is in this context that Shri Barnard Harrison, who had developed Singapore Wildlife Park, was invited here for preliminary discussions. Shri Harrison had been the director of Singapore Wildlife Park for 25 years. He is also a consultant of international repute. His consultation has been taken for starting night safari in Noida and for construction of a new zoo at Nagpur. After the presentation the Minister Kunwar Shah and Shri Sompal Shashtri evinced interest in development of a zoo of international level on the land meant for Van Vihar phase-2. They directed to improve the arrangements at Van Vihar to ensure easier spotted of animals to the visitors there. Shri Barnard Harrison was all praise for natural and scenic beauty of Bhopal. He described the lakes, landscapes and greenery of Bhopal as unique. A picture of a tiger was presented to him as memento. Prominent among those present on the occasion included the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V.R. Khare; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Dr. P.B. Gangopadhyaya; Managing Director of Laghu Vanopaj Sangh Shri R.K. Dave; Managing Director of State Forest Development Corporation Shri R.S. Negi; Chief Executive Officer of Eco Tourism Board Smt. Gopa Pandey and D.F.O. Bhopal Dr. A.K. Bhattacharya.