Pune’s Second Zoo Stalled for a Decade – When Will It Open?
Pune’s Second Zoo Stalled for a Decade – When Will It Open?
The wait for Pune’s second zoo continues, as the Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo in Chinchwad remains shut for nearly a decade. Despite crores spent and several animals lost, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has failed to complete the renovation work. Animal lovers have raised serious concerns over the delay.
According to Mid-day, Pune currently has two zoos the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj and the Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo in Chinchwad, located 27 km apart. Travelling from Pimpri-Chinchwad to Katraj takes about one and a half hours, causing inconvenience for PCMC residents. Katraj zoo also faces overcrowding, especially on holidays.
“Two phases are done. The tender for the third phase will be floated soon. It will take another one and a half years to complete landscaping, enrichment, and structural development,” said an official.
A nature and animal lover, raised concerns about human-animal conflict in Pimpri-Chinchwad due to urbanisation. “There is no space to treat rescued and injured animals. About 9,000 animals are rescued each year, but many are sent to charitable trusts,” he said.
PCMC submitted a proposal in 2010 to convert the old snake park into a full-fledged zoo. The Central Zoo Authority of India approved it in 2016. Though work started the same year, it is still incomplete. Officials blamed COVID-19 and labour shortages for delays.
The zoo currently houses reptiles like anacondas, king cobras, turtles, tortoises, and crocodiles. Once finished, it will feature 188 species of snakes, exotic birds, and rare flora and fauna of the Western Ghats. For now, Pune’s second zoo remains an unfinished dream.
