SHILLONG: The state Forest and Environment Department has been directed to relocate all animals from Shillong’s Phan Nonglait Park, previously known as Lady Hydari Park, to the newly constructed State Zoological Park at Umtrew in Ri Bhoi.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on Sunday that the process of moving the animals is underway and expected to be completed by June.
Currently home to several animals, Phan Nonglait Park will undergo significant renovations once the relocation is completed.
The Chief Minister said that after the relocation, the entire park would be renovated and certain parts of the park would be converted into a parking lot to de-congest the city.
The park, located in a bustling area frequented by vehicles, tourists, and school children, is often congested.
Chief Minister Sangma also added that plans for the renovation are already afoot and part of the park’s space will also be allocated to the adjacent Shillong Civil Hospital to expand its capacity and facilities.
The State Zoo at Umtrew, covering 72 hectares of land acquired in 2001, has received approval from the Central Zoo Authority and will feature eight enclosures.
Despite a lengthy delay attributed to mismanagement by the state Forest and Environment Department, the zoo’s construction is nearing completion.
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had previously highlighted that, despite receiving grants a decade ago, progress on the zoo’s construction had stagnated.
The 12th Finance Commission recommended a grant of Rs 30 crore in 2005, with Rs 12 crore released to the department in 2007. The total construction cost is estimated at Rs 35 crore.
Chief Minister Sangma laid the foundation stone for the zoo in October 2019.
The project aims to provide conservation and breeding facilities for endangered species and shelter for wild animals rescued from forests.
