Delhi Zoo set for extensive overhaul; Rs 400 cr earmarked for modern enclosures, hospital

New Delhi, Jan 27 (PTI) From redesigned entrances and improved traffic flow to reconstructed animal habitats and expanded veterinary care, the National Zoological Park in the capital is set for sweeping modernisation under a Rs 400-crore redevelopment plan, according to an official.

Work on the comprehensive modernisation plan is scheduled to begin in February, pending final approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Central Zoo Authority official said.

The Centre had granted in-principle approval of Rs 400 crore and the investment board has largely agreed with the proposed changes, paving the way for formal clearance, the official told PTI.

The redevelopment proposal was recently placed before the Delegated Investment Board, a government body that clears major public infrastructure investments, and funding for the project will be drawn through this mechanism, he said.

"Reliance's Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre will play a significant advisory role, with many of its recommendations incorporated into the project blueprint," the official said.

Elaborating on the makeover plan, he said a major focus will be the complete renovation of the zoo's front gate, including new pickup and drop-off zones, a visitors' centre and upgraded entry facilities.

To address traffic congestion, the existing foot overbridge on Mathura Road will be extended up to the zoo's entrance, enabling safer pedestrian access while easing traffic movement in the area, he said.

According to the official, a new parking complex will be created with capacity of around 800 cars, 50 large buses and nearly 1,000 two-wheelers, to efficiently manage peak visitor flow.

Outdated ticket counters will be replaced with modern systems, while the congested food court will be expanded to provide better services and comfort, he said.

Internal tracks used by zoo vehicles to transport visitors will be widened to ensure smoother circulation and reduce crowding during busy hours, the official added.

He further said several animal enclosures which are damaged or obsolete will be reconstructed, while those beyond repair will be completely rebuilt to meet modern animal welfare standards.

Viewing areas will be redesigned to allow clearer, safer and closer observation of wildlife while ensuring minimal stress for animals, the official said.

Animal shelters will be upgraded to contemporary specifications, and a new reptile house will be built as part of the expanded veterinary care infrastructure, he said.

The zoo's wildlife hospital will be modernised and enlarged to two to three times its present size, with multiple new wards for specialised treatment, the official said, adding that the redevelopment will draw inspiration from leading international zoos and adopt innovative technologies to improve animal health, enclosure design and visitor management.

An MoU between the Delhi zoo and the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre was signed last year to support long-term conservation, rehabilitation and modern animal care practices, the official said.

Spread across 180 acres, the National Zoological Park was established in 1957 and remains one of the capital's most prominent public attractions. There are around 38 species of mammals, 156 new-birth and 76 free-range animals. PTI SHB SHB ARB ARB