Shelved project: Work on Lake View Park aviary to restart

ISLAMABAD:

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has finally moved forwarding in develop the much-trumpeted Bird Aviary Park in the federal capital, five years after it was first proposed. The project was initiated in 2007 during the tenure of former CDA chief Kamran Lashari but went nowhere due to the authority’s poor financial health.

The `Walk-in-Aviary’ is being developed in Lake View Park on 3.8 acres. CDA Engineering Member Sanaullah Aman said that in a recent meeting, the CDA decided to resume work on the project as any more delays would lay waste to work that has already been completed. The enclosure had already been partially set up but has no birds inside.

Around 100 species of birds are supposed to be bought from the local market as well as imported from different countries, with the aviary providing them with their natural habitat.

The CDA plans to outsource services and maintenance work of the aviary including the purchase of birds. Aman said the species of birds to be released in the park include pheasants, parrots, partridges, doves, pigeons and waterfowls. The contractor would be responsible for healthcare, including proper preventive and curative measures, besides security and the safety of visitors and birds. Moreover, operational arrangements like ticket booths, veterinarians, guides, guards, keepers, sweepers and gardeners will be ensured by the firm.

Sanaullah Aman said close circuit cameras will be installed in the aviary and proper checking of visitors would be done. The visitors will be bound to stay inside the railing and forbidden from entering the plantation and feeding birds with any unapproved foodstuff.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2013.