The zoo at Gulab Bagh will soon have a new identity. It will be known as the state’s first bird park with a va... Read More

UDAIPUR: The zoo at Gulab Bagh will soon have a new identity. It will be known as the state’s first bird park with a variety of local and scheduled species. With the shifting of all animals to the newly constructed Sajjangarh biological park within a month, the Gulab Bagh zoo, which had been one of the main tourist spots of the city, would be converted into a dwelling place exclusively for the avian species. The construction work for a bird zoo spread across 51,135.47 sq meters may take off from the coming financial year.

“There is no only-bird park in the state and even in the country. However, large variety of birds could be seen in various zoos all around,” said Rahul Bhatnagar, chief conservator of forests (wildlife). Since the Gulab Bagh building is a heritage one, made in 1862, we conceived the idea of turning the place into a bird park after the zoo stop existing so that the large number of people visiting the park rejoice the pleasant sight and twittering of birds in natural environment, Bhatnagar said. More than 50 varieties of scheduled and local birds could be seen here.

The budget estimated for the park is around Rs 11.50 crore and the forest department would send a proposal for budget sanction to the government soon. “We are not relying completely on the funds from the state, but will approach the UIT, municipal corporation and private sources too for assistance so that it is not delayed,” the officer said.

Rs184.27 lakh is estimated on infrastructure development while Rs 965.25 lakh would be spent on construction of enclosures. The department proposes a museum and education center too where people would get information on the avian varieties across the globe. The park will house a vet hospital and feed store too.

It is worth mentioning that in December, authorities from tourism and forest department and nature enthusiasts had agreed upon an “Udaipur Declaration on Birds” to protect and conserve the avian species of South Rajasthan from threats. The participants recommended various measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict and promotion of regulated wildlife centric eco-tourism activities. Check on fishing activities and 50% area of wetlands be kept free of any commercial activity like boating, recreation had been then suggested.