Barang: Are you planning to visit Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) or Botanical Garden here anytime between December 25 and this New Year? Well, the NZP authorities have put in place a slew of measures to ensure that visitors have a safe, hassle-free and jubilant experience in the nature’s lap.
NZP would be celebrating its 59th Foundation Day this December 29. And the revamped Vulture Reproduction Centre at the Botanical Garden would be dedicated to the public to make the most of the day, a senior NZP official said.
“The 12 long-billed vultures which have been gifted by our Gwalior counterpart will help kick-start the Vulture Reproduction Centre which was lying in disarray for the past couple of months owing to poor availability of the scavenging birds,” a senior NZP official told the media.
A male rhino would be brought to NZP from the Hyderabad zoo in exchange of a tiger. “Our Hyderabad counterpart has given the nod for the animal exchange. However, we’ll initiate the process after getting the go-ahead from the Central Zoo Authority,” the official added.
Apart from inauguration of a souvenir on the foundation day, NZP staffers would be felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the zoo during the year, the official said.
Sources said anticipating a huge footfall of visitors between Christmas and New Year, the zoo authorities have undertaken elaborate measures to ensure the visitors enjoy the trip to the fullest amid a convenient ambiance.
“More ticket counters will be set up at Nandankanan and Botanical Garden to ensure visitors get tickets hassle-free. Loudspeaker announcements will be made to sensitise the visitors about the dos and don’ts on the zoo and Botanical Garden premises,” the official said.
Besides, adequate police personnel would be deployed on the zoo premises to keep tabs on eve-teasers and pickpockets. In an attempt to tackle any untoward incident, Fire Services and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) personnel would also be stationed at the duo site.
The zoo authorities have also arranged a team of health experts to facilitate first-aid and other emergency healthcare to the visitors. “Moreover, parking lots would also be designated for two- and four-wheelers. Besides, arrangements are also in place to offer safe drinking water to the visitors,” the official said.
“We’ll arrange a meeting which will be attended by Nandankanan police, Raghunathpur sarpanch and heads of Daruthenga village at the zoo office Friday seeking their cooperation in maintaining peace and harmony during the said days,” NZP deputy director Jayant Kumar Das told the media.