Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday inspected the ongoing modernisation work at the Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden and asked officials to study some of the country’s leading zoological parks to incorporate the best features into the project.The move comes as zoos across India are increasingly being developed not just as recreational spaces, but also as centres for conservation, education and animal welfare. Officials said the state govt aims to make the Guwahati zoo a modern, animal-friendly facility with improved amenities for visitors.Speaking to the media after the inspection, Sarma said, “Under the development project, various works are currently underway to improve facilities for both the animals and the visitors. I have also instructed the departmental officers to study other zoos across the country, so that suitable components can be adopted and incorporated into this project.”According to the CM, the modernisation project, estimated to cost Rs 360 crore, is expected to be completed within the next two to three years. The project envisages transforming the zoo into a world-class wildlife facility with a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, a dedicated wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, a large bird aviary and upgraded animal enclosures.“It is a very ambitious initiative, which was launched last year, and currently, around 27% of the work has been completed. There are several good zoos, including those in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Gujarat and even Singapore. Taking inspiration from these examples, we are making every effort to build a modern zoo,” Sarma also said.The CM said the feasibility of introducing a rail facility inside the zoo would also be examined to help visitors move around the premises. However, given the zoo’s hilly terrain, he directed officials to study whether such a facility would be viable.Earlier in the day, Sarma inspected the ongoing redevelopment of the Assam Police Reserve campus at Paltan bazaar. The project, being implemented at an estimated cost of around Rs 600 crore, will provide residential accommodation for more than 600 police inspectors, sub-inspectors and constables.The redeveloped campus will also have a school, a temple, a namghar, a conference hall, a playground and the Assam Police Reserve office. As part of the project, a separate residential building is also being constructed at Panbazar to accommodate 42 police officers.
