Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh today visited Jambu Zoo here at Khanpur and inspected the ongoing construction works of the prestigious project being developed at an estimated cost of Rs. 121 crore.The Minister trekked over 10 km distance along with a team of Forest Department officials to inspect the work at various sites including facilities being developed for the visiting tourists.
He was accompanied by all the HoDs and other senior officials including PCCF, CCFs, DFOs and JEs.The Minister directed executing agencies to gear up men and machinery to complete the project in prescribed time frame. He said the Zoo will be developed on modern lines with a huge network of roads. Its biggest attraction will be a 70-foot Entry gate to be near Khanpur area on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. He informed that zoo would be developed over an area spreading from Khanpur to Chinore. He said the project is likely to be completed in three years and thrown open after completing initial work.
Describing the project as a big boon for attracting tourist to Jammu, Choudhary Lal Singh said that it will also help in preservation and protection of forest land. He said Safari ride facility will be a major attraction for the visitors.Lal Singh said the government was also mulling to develop a similar Zoo in the Pahalgam area of Kashmir in the near future.It was informed the work on fencing covering the whole area would be started from tomorrow.Meanwhile, several groups, civil society members and deputations from the adjoining areas met with the minister and apprised him about various demands. The Minister listened to the grievances of the people and issued on-the-spot instructions to the concerned officers for early redressal of the same.Choudhary Lal Singh said that the Government is committed to provide better facilities to the people. He further said that the Government has focused its attention on developing all locations having tourist potential to increase tourist footfall in the state which in turn generate employment and enhance the socio-economic condition of the locals. He said provision for better healthcare, education, PHE and road connectivity are the priority sectors of the Government, adding that the Government is paying focused attention to upgrade the same.The Minister sought people’s cooperation in implementing all Government schemes so that benefits of such schemes reach to the needy. He asked them to maintain close liaison with the administration and project their demands in most legitimate way.