Shyamhari Chakra
The Union Government is framing a policy to undertake upgradation and expansion of 160 zoos across India in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode soon.
Minister of Forest and Environment, Prakash Javadekar revealed this on the occasion of Wildlife Week celebrations.
The new policy will encourage interaction between wildlife and humans and help people observe and understand wildlife behaviour the country’s diverse wildlife more closely, he hoped.
State Governments, corporate sector, business establishments and the people at large will be key elements of the plan, he hinted.
The Minister also presented the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) instituted Prani Mitra Awards on the occasion. The awards aim at encouraging the officials and workers of the zoos towards working for captive animal management and welfare.
The awards are being given away in four categories – Outstanding Director/Curator, Outstanding Veterinarian, Outstanding Biologist /Educationist, Outstanding Biologist /Educationist and Outstanding Animal Keeper.
“Meet the Prani Mitra Awardees of this year, who have shown exemplary determination in their duty and compassion towards zoo animals. Congratulations, people like you keep the wheels of our Zoos running smoothly, even through difficult times”, Tweeted the Minister.
Over 567 captive animal species including 114 species under endangered category are currently housed in Indian zoos.
