Pune: Today, the tragic incident of the deaths of 36 animals in Bahinabai Chowdhury zoological park at Sambhajinagar of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation was widely discussed at the winter session of the state legislative assembly. Speaking on this issue, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ordered a detailed inquiry into the matter through the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department and further directed the Municipal Corporation to transfer this zoological park to the Forest Development Corporation.
Mr. Shinde was speaking on the issue raised by Chinchwad MLA and the late MLA Laxman Jagtap’s wife, Ashwini Jagtap, during the question and answer hour. Citing the delayed and sluggish renovation work at the zoological park, Ms. Jagtap drew flak on the workings of administration.
According to the information, Bahinabai Chaudhary Snake Garden and Zoological Park is located on seven acres of MIDC land in Sambhajinagar, Chinchwad. This park was inaugurated on December 30, 1989. However, the renovation work on this park was taken up in 2016, leading to the indefinite closure of this park from December 25, 2017 for the public.
The Central Zoological Museum Authority has approved the plan to initiate the renovation and beautification of the Zoological Museum. Shockingly, it has been reported that, during the closure of the zoological park in accordance with the regulations of the Central Zoological Museum Authority, 36 animals are said to have died. After the post-mortem through the government hospital at Aundh, the authority was informed about it through the municipal corporation.
While the deaths of these animals were natural, the significant toll on animal lives is a matter of serious concern. Recognising this, the Chief Minister ordered a detailed investigation of the matter today through the principal secretary of urban development.
