 |
A mini-zoo was established at Port Blair in 1967 with the objective
of exhibiting unique endemic animal species found in these islands, in caged
condition mainly for recreational purpose. This zoo is still existing and 30
animal species are displayed in cages. It is now an important Tourist Centre as well. With the change in
the concepts of modern zoo, some modifications
were made to provide nature education facilities. However these modifications
are not sufficient in view of the tremendous change in the concept, objectives
and scope of a modern Zoo or Zoological Park. The underlying main concept of a
modern zoo as defined by the Central Zoo Authority is “to house and display
the animals in such a manner that the objectives of wildlife conservation
including creation of empathy for wild animals are achieved”. The present
Zoo at Port Blair is unable to meet fully the above stated requirements of a
modern zoo because of a very limited space (only 4 ha) available and also due
to a disturbed surrounding. There is no scope for its
extension and
modernization.
In
present day context main objective of operating any Zoo or Zoological Park is
aimed at conservation of wildlife by providing in situ habitat as far as
possible to the captive animals. The display of animals is to be done in such
a manner as to provide meaningful information to visitors about the importance
of wildlife, its habitat and role in the eco-system. The zoo should not be
merely for recreation of visitors but it should also be a source of educating
people and promoting research on animal behaviour, breeding and population
dynamics. Keeping these goals in view following objectives are set for the
Chidiyatapu Biological Park.
1. Wildlife education and
interpretation for the purpose of communicating conservation values to the
visiting public, for understanding the unique faunal wealth of these islands
and its role in the islands ecosystem.
2. Captive breeding of
rare, endangered and endemic species for ex-situ conservation.
3. Scientific study and
research on animal behaviour, nutrition, reproduction, disease etc.
4. To provide
recreational facility to a large number of people by utilizing out-door
setting of nature without detriment to any of the preceding objectives.
SITE OF THE BIOLOGICAL PARK :
Keeping
in view the above limitations, a need to establish a biological park on modern
and scientific line, in a natural and sufficiently large forested area having
a pollution free environment was felt in late eighties and in 1989 the
Wildlife Advisory Board of the Union Territory also recommended the creation
of a biological park. It was thereafter decided to develop a biological park
at a place called Chidiyatapu 25 km away from Port Blair. The Central Zoo
Authority conveyed its approval for it in May 1993 and the Central Government
approved the diversion of 40 ha of forest la
nd in Chidiyatapu for
establishment of this Biological Park in May 1994.
The
area is having sufficient space and natural surroundings to provide the
following :-
1. Required sufficiently
large space for enclosures and other facilities.
2. Visitors facilities.
3. Water reservoirs,
roads, path-ways, shelters, open recreational place and other infrastructures.
PLAN
OF THE BIOLOGICAL PARK
:
With a view to establish and develop this Biological Park in accordance
with the norms and standards set by the Central Zoo Authority under the
Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992. Consultancy services of Shri Pushp Kumar Mehto,
retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and a renowned zoo planner were
also availed on contract basis for planning, designing and helping in development of Chidiyatapu Biological Park.
The
Master Plan prepared by Shri Pushp Kumar includes construction of twenty
enclosures for different animals, two walk-in aviaries, two ordinary aviaries,
one aquarium, three pools for water animals, one nocturnal animal house and an
orchidarium. This Park will have full fledged administrative, managerial and
veterinary facilities and also a full fledged interpretation centre for
providing additional information to the visitors.
PROJECT OUTLAY AND FUNDING 
This Biological Park is proposed to be developed and completed within Ninth Five Year Plan period (1997-2002) with a proposed financial outlay of Rs. 1100.00 lakhs. The Central Zoo Authority is providing 100% central funding for enclosures and 50% funding on certain items for infrastructure development. The balance funds will be provided under State Plan.
