Wildlife dept gets EC nod for mega projects

Work on upgrade of Lahore Zoo unlikely to get off the ground until next year

LAHORE:

The Punjab Wildlife Department has received approval from the Election Commission for mega-projects at the Lahore Zoo and Safari Park.

The construction work would likely to begin after receiving funds from the Finance Department. During this time, the zoo would remain closed for visitors.

On the other hand, the Lahore High Court has directed the government not to start any new development project until February next year to mitigate the effects of smog.

The Lahore Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park Administration have started preparations to start work on a fast track basis after the approval of the development projects by the Election Commission.

Various projects will be completed in accordance with international standards, including bringing new animals and birds to Lahore Zoo with an amount of over Rs1 billion. Similarly, an amount of over Rs2 billion has been approved for Lahore Safari.

According to Lahore Zoo officials, the development work would begin after receiving funds from the Finance Department. The project of upgrading the Lahore Zoo would be completed in two years’ time.

According to the zoo management, new animals and birds would be brought to the zoo at a cost of Rs660 million. Most of these animals and birds would be of African origin. China is also likely to gift some pandas for the Lahore Zoo. People would also come from China to take care of the pandas and stay here for two years.

Lahore Zoo will pay for the boarding and lodging of the guests from China. It would also pay their salaries.

The parking lot of the zoo would also be expanded. A new entrance gate would be installed on the Mall Road, and high quality food court established. Hippopotamus would be released in a glass pond. Ancient and rare animals will be seen through virtual reality.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2023.