Work underway to introduce night safari in zoo: Minister

Chennai, June 14 (UNI) Work is underway to introduce night safari at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, near here, at an estimated cost of Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore with assistance from the Central Zoo Authority, State Forests Minister N Selvaraj said today.

Addressing mediapersons after paying a surprise visit to the zoo following reports of poor maintenance, he said he had directed the zoo officials to work on new systems to upgrade the status of Asia's largest zoo.

The Minister also inspected the newly built sunshades and battery-operated trains and directed the authorities that the standard of these facilities should be improved.

Mr Selvaraj said the Government would spend Rs four crore rupees, including Rs three crore from the Centre, to upgrade the zoo. In due course of time, four new battery-operated trains would be introduced in the zoo and the canteen and other food stalls would be directed to sell quality eatables at a reasonable price, he added.

The Minister also inspected the Lion Safari and spent some time at the enclosure where the recently acquired white tigers were kept.

He took stock of the number of species and animals housed in the zoo.

He also spent some time with the visitors and sought their suggestions for further development of the zoo.

UNI