GUWAHATI: The Assam State Zoo and Botanical Garden has been named among the 15 zoos in India selected for the vision plan for Indian Zoos and strengthening of Central Zoo Authority (CZA), 2021-2031, published by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Central government aims to take Indian Zoos to global standards with this initiative.
The plan echoes ten ‘Pillars of Change’ anchored across goals of conservation breeding, animal welfare, scientific research, visitor experience and education, sustainability, elevated teams and technology-driven institutions.
The ten pillars for the zoos include:
- Strengthening ex-situ conservation of endangered native species guided by CZA policy and guidelines to contribute to national biodiversity conservation efforts.
- Optimise animal welfare to achieve parity with concurrent global policies.
- Management of rescued animals.
- Catalyze science-based conservation action in zoos.
- Zoos as lifelong learning institutions for all ages and abilities, fostering linkages between society and nature.
- Enhance visitor experience through immersive and inclusive design.
- Leverage technology to expand outreach, overall efficiency and improve animal welfare.
- Build financially sustainable business models prioritising fiscal autonomy while being aligned with goals of biodiversity conservation and welfare.
- Develop skilled, motivated and empowered teams for all facets of zoo management.
- Prioritise infrastructure up-gradation, incorporating environmental sustainability measures.
To support the implementation of the aforesaid measures, ten pillars have been planned for the Central Zoo Authority as well.
A total of Rs 41.66 crores are to be sanctioned for Assam to implement the changes over the 10 years , while the overall financial outlay for the CZA and zoos is Rs. 6,364 crores. The allocated fund to each of the 15 selected zoos has been segregated against the 10 pillars.
Characterised as a mega-biodiverse country, India occupies only 2.4 percent of the world's land area, yet accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species. This includes over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals. The country is home to unique wildlife habitats and species, the protection of which is key to sustainable development. India currently has 153 zoos under the CZA.
