Saturday, April 26, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 19, 1429    

Marghazar Zoo to be developed on modern lines

Raja Zahid

Islamabad—The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has prepared a plan to redevelop the Mirghazar Zoo with modern lines, as Rs. 1.348 billion would spend on this project.

It has learnt that CDA’s Development Working Party (DWP) recently allocated Rs. 1.348 billion for the redevelopment of Mirghazar Zoo which would be expanded to 65 acres of land with more than 200 species and other recreational and research facilities for the visitors.

An official told ‘Pakistan Observer’ work on the project that project construction work would likely to be started in next year. He said more than 40 acres of land would be acquired for the expansion of the Zoo.

The Zoo was established in 1978 without any planning and presently, it was attracting a large population of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad with around 69 different species and 300 animals. Rs 6.9 million was spent to feed the animals per annum and currently 50 employees including the Zoo director were working in the zoo.

The expenses would be doubled after the expansion according to new plan, he added. Zoo would be equipped with research facilities for students as all around the world the zoos are used for education along with recreation. Presently zoo lacks proper cafeteria for the visitors, as a single one cannot provide quality services to a large population.

Authority recently redeveloped the Daemon Kau project along with Rawal Lake, where once wild grass and bushes grew, has also been splendidly transformed with both spots now attracting more and more visitors. Similarly, the Saidpur Village at the foot of the Margalla Hills is also undergoing exciting changes, while the Arts and Craft Village that is close to the Rose and Jasmine Garden is coming up fast. The development in town is surely going on at a fast pace.

On the other hand authority approved the PC-1 of different Capital developmental projects and the construction work on these projects would be started next year.