Barang: In order to curb pollution at Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) here, zoo authorities have decided to ban movement of vehicles on its premises. This, however, did not go down well with Raghunathpur and Daruthenga villagers as they now have to travel at least three more kilometres to reach their place.
Ritu Routray, former sarpanch of Daruthenga gram panchayat, talked about the contributions of the village towards Nandankanan while decrying the decision. “The zoo authorities have certainly forgotten our [Daruthenga villagers] sacrifices for Nandankanan. How can they restrict us from using the zoo road on vehicles? Your [NZP] vehicles won’t add to the pollution, but our vehicles will! We urge the zoo authorities to discuss the matter with the duo village as it will help maintain a healthy relation,” Routray added.
Daruthenga resident Tapan Kumar Baliarsingh, condemned the decision. “Our forefathers have given land for Nandankanan. Besides, we, as locals, have been extending all kinds of cooperation to NZP authorities for smooth functioning of the zoo. The decision to ban movement of vehicles is unacceptable,” the young lawyer pointed out.
Raghunathpur samiti member Jhuna Rout, too, claimed their ‘unmatched contribution’ towards the nature’s paradise. “Our villagers always work towards upholding the integrity of Nandankanan by facilitating a sense a security to the visitors and tourists as well. Locals of both the villages have been using the zoo route to commute for decades now as it was a shortcut road between the two villages,” said Rout, who is also chairperson of Nari Jagarana Mancha— an outfit for women— while urging the zoo authorities to revisit the decision.
Young lawyer and a resident of Raghunathpur Suresh Chandra Rout warned to take the issue to the streets. “If situation warrants, we’ll definitely oppose the decision,” Rout said.
According to NZP deputy director Bimal Prasanna Acharya, Nandankanan is a world-class zoo. Movement of motor vehicles through the zoo has been adding to the pollution which in turn is harmful for the zoo inmates. “Hence, we’ve decided to ban movement of vehicles on the zoo premises,” said Acharya.
About the commuting woes that the Raghunathpur and Daruthenga locals would certainly face owing to the ban, the senior Forest official said, “There’s an alternative road, though a bit lengthy. We seek active cooperation from the locals, especially from the duo village, for the noble initiative as it would go a long way in reducing the pollution and creating a liveable tomorrow,” Acharya said.
PNN