Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 9: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh today directed the Wildlife Department to gear up men and machinery to complete the work of the Jambu Zoo (Shivalik Biological Park), adding that the place would act as a major attraction for animal lovers.
The Minister was interacting with the officers of Wildlife Department after inspecting the ongoing work at the site of the Zoo being developed at Khanpur, Nagorta.
Chief Wildlife Warden Manoj Panth, Regional Director Wildlife Senthil Kumar besides other senior officers of Wildlife Department accompanied the Minister.
Describing the project as a big boon for attracting tourist to Jammu, Choudhary Lal Singh said that it will also help in preservation and protection of forest land.
The Minister said that the Government is committed to provide better facilities to the people across the State. He further said that the Government has focused its attention on developing all locations having tourist potential to increase tourist footfall in the State which in turn generate employment and enhance the socio-economic condition of the locals.
It was informed that the work on chain link fencing covering the Zoo area would be started soon.
Pertinently, Jambu Zoo would be developed over an area of 229.50 hectares at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 crore having Safari Park, Butterfly garden, insect park, Sambar, Hog, spotted deer, Blue bull, black buck, Goat wild, Bear Himalayan black, Bear Sloth and Eagle tawny enclosures.
The place would also have an artificial lake, artificial waterfall, overhead water tank, underground water tank, public amenities including canteen reception centre and a massive network of roads. The Zoo would have 70-foot entry gate on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.