- Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park plans a 100m treetop walkway 15 feet above ground
- The walkway will connect Ceylon oak trees and cost around Rs 2 crore
- New facilities include 15 selfie points, a cafeteria, kiosks, and souvenir shops
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, also known as Patna Zoo, is gearing up to offer something new to its visitors. The authorities are set to build a treetop walkway that will let travellers experience nature from above and add a fresh dimension to wildlife exploration in Bihar. The proposal for the project has already been sent to the Central Zoo Authority for approval, TOI reported.
The project is expected to receive approval this month. Once that happens, construction work will start at the zoo. The detailed project report has already been completed, said Anand Kishor, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
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In the initial phase, the walkway, stretching 100 metres, will link two Ceylon oak trees, along with several others located in between. The wooden path will be built 15 feet above ground and will be 16 feet wide, costing about Rs 2 crore. Sharing details at the zoo society's second governing body meeting, Anand Kishor said the upgrades will boost visitor facilities and management.
“The zoo will also develop 15 selfie points at scenic spots. A new cafeteria will be built near gate no. 1 at a cost of Rs 4.87 crore, along with two additional food kiosks inside the zoo,” he added.
Gates no. 1 and 2 will be reconstructed with archways, ticket counters, kiosks, cloakrooms, staff rooms, and souvenir shops. An additional souvenir shop will be built inside the zoo. Additional toilets and water kiosks will be installed at an estimated cost of around Rs 4.94 crore. The children's park will be redesigned, and 150 eco-friendly benches will be placed throughout the zoo.
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Talking about the staff, the zoo will hire sixteen paid guides, charging Rs 10 per service. Approval has been granted for 23 new staff positions, which include pharmacists and technical workers. The salaries of the existing 346 zoo employees have been raised by Rs 2,000 per month. The toy train will be revived and upgraded, with an allocation of Rs 5 crore to Indian Railways.
