Despite allocation of Rs 345 crore in the name of development of Assam State Zoo, its dilapidated security wall has raised deep concerns over the safety of the wildlife in the zoo. Local residents have alleged that several portions of the wall have remained broken for a long time, creating an unsafe environment in the area.
According to residents of the areas adjacent to the zoo, deer and other animals come out into nearby residential areas through gaps in the old wall. At the same time, it has also opened the way for unauthorized entry of some people into the zoo premises. Local people allege that this problem has become more acute especially in the areas adjoining Baikuntha Nagar.
According to a local resident, incidents of deer etc. coming out through broken portions of the wall are old. Although there have been allegations of unidentified persons entering inside in the darkness of night and killing wild animals, no independent proof of these allegations has been found. Local residents have expressed dissatisfaction that despite several verbal and written appeals to the zoo authorities and the forest department, no permanent solution has been taken.
It may be noted that on the night of November 29 last year at around 1 am, pedestrians had spotted a large deer on the road at Zoo Tiniali. The deer, suspected to have come down from the hills, remained on the road for several hours without causing any harm before moving away.
Meanwhile, according to the zoo authorities, although some portions of the old security wall have been damaged, repair and renovation work is currently underway. Claiming that no wild animal has escaped, the authorities stated that each animal is kept under close watch by the staff. However, local residents have again demanded that the administration expedite the repair work of the wall to prevent illegal entry and escape of animals.
