ECP’s nod sought for Rs5b zoo upgrade plan

Commission asked to ascertain caretaker govt's authority

LAHORE:

A summary for upgrading the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park has been sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for approval.

According to sources, the project to bring new animals and improve the facilities has been estimated at Rs5 billion, so the ECP will examine whether the caretaker government has the authority to spend so much money on the plan.

The caretaker chief minister of Punjab had expressed his desire to complete the project in four months.

Under the project, pandas, hippos, rhinos, African pigeons, black jaguars, puma, Chiltan markhors and other animals and birds will be added to the zoo and safari park. New species of snake will also be brought to Lahore Zoo. Various species of elephant, rhino, giraffe, zebra, ostrich and deer will be added to the safari park.

The Lahore Zoo and Safari Park will also house 142 species of marine life in the aquarium and world-class cages for the animals will also be built. The traditional iron railings of the tiger house will be replaced with glass.

Apart from this, for the first time in a zoo in Pakistan, rare species of animals will be seen through hologram technology. The entrance of the zoo from Mall Road will be shut ana new entrance made from the parking area.

Under the plan, the crocodile pond will be demolished and ticket booths built at the place, while a bridge will be built over the lake to enter the zoo.

African, desert and salt range zones will be created in the Safari Park and a Night Safari will be launched. Huts will also be built for stay in the Safari Park.

The project summary has been sent for approval.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2023.