Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

Pilikula Nisargadhama is all set to receive a facelift, as government of India has released Rs four crore for it’s overall development under the Mega Destination Development Scheme of Ministry of Tourism.

Under this, the entry gate which is presently half constructed, infrastructure, roads, amenities for public, will be developed, said MLA J R Lobo to Deccan Herald.

Lobo pointed out that development in Pilikula is suffering badly due to lack of funds. Lack of systematic effort from the administrators  since 18 months to obtain funds and the negligent attitude by the previous government is the main reason for this, he blamed.
He further added that the State government will be requested to include development of Pilikula in the next budget. Pilikula will be converted into one of the top tourism hot spots within the next five years, he assured.

Lobo added that the botanical garden may be converted into ’Urban Eco Park’ under the State ministry of environment and forest. If the proposal receives approval, the park will start in the current financial year, he said.

Battery vehicles

There are plans to introduce battery driven vehicles for people, who visit Dr Shivaram Karanth Biological Park at Pilikula, said Park Director Jayprakash Bhandary.

A proposal has been submitted to the State government for infrastructure development in the zoo. If the proposal is approved, then roads with interlocks will be developed to enable the movement of battery driven vehicles. There are plans to introduce four vehicles at the initial stage, with four to eight seating capacity.

Infrastructure and public amenities like toilets, seating arrangements and drinking water kiosks will be set up.

 "The entire development needs Rs two crore funding. We hope to begin the work by March,” Bhandary said.

Responding to the proposal to develop the zoo, Lobo stated that there is no ready funding for development of the zoo. "The zoo is badly in need of a facelift. Financial aid will be sought from private companies under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and fund will also be sought from the state government," he said.

Bird aviary

The ‘Walk through bird aviary’ construction is nearing completion and may be open for the public in the first week of January, said Jayprakash Bhandary. The construction work of the aviary spread over 25,000-square feet area, started nine months ago. Water birds will be brought to the aviary under the animal exchange programme, from zoos of North India. Aquatic birds such as cormorant, egret, pelican, heron, ibis, whistling teals, ducks will be the new guests in the aviary. Other birds such as quails, pheasants, crakes, lapwings, doves, pigeons, parakeets, cuckoos, swifts, kingfishers, bee eaters, hornbills, woodpeckers, barbets, orioles, drongo, mynah, magpie, lora, bulbuls, babblers, flycatchers, sunbirds and sparrows will also be introduced.