CM asks forest department to make a presentation for a proposed international zoo near Sanjay Gandhi National Park

The forest department's plea for a zoo that meets international standards has gotten them busy as a beaver because the Chief Minister has asked them to make a presentation regarding their plans.

Earlier this year, zoo authorities of the forest department proposed the establishment of a zoo near the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) that will meet international standards and house a large variety of animals, an aviary and also conduct leopard safaris.

However, SGNP authorities require close to 200 acres of additional land around the periphery to carry out such commercial activities, which is otherwise not permitted on forest land.

The land adjoining SGNP that belonged to the Dairy Development Department was acquired in a land transfer 15 days ago, said a senior official of the forest department on condition of anonymity. This has put the plan for the zoo on the go and in response Chavan has asked forest department officials for a detailed presentation before funds are cleared for the project.