National Zoological Park set for ₹400-cr. makeover

An investment board has approved the sanctioning of ₹400 crore to redevelop the National Zoological Park in Delhi, an official said on Tuesday.

The nod was given by the Delegated Investment Board, the Centre’s inter-departmental body for funding public projects, the official added.

Redevelopment work is expected to begin by April next year, pending final approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the official said.

“It is a four-year redevelopment plan. Infrastructural development will include enhancement of animal enclosures,” said National Zoological Park Director Sanjeet Kumar.

Mr. Kumar said the number of animal enclosures will be increased from 94 to over 200.

“A number of pending projects – such as a butterfly park, nocturnal belts, and reptile houses – will be re-evaluated,” he said.

To enhance visitor experience, several animal enclosures will be fitted with glass viewing panels while others will be equipped with new barriers, he said.