Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar today visited Jambu Zoo in Khanpur and inspected the ongoing construction works of the prestigious project being developed by the Forest Department in the state.PCCF J&K Suresh Chugh, Chairman SPCB Ravi Kesar, CCF Jammu Sameer Bharti, Regional Wildlife Warden Tahir Ahmad Shawl, Wildlife Warden Jambu Zoo Amit Sharma and other officers from the Forest Department were present on the occasion.The Advisor was given brief about the project and the status of works taken up at the Zoo to develop it on modern lines. He was also apprised about the other activities being carried out by the department including fencing work of Jambu Zoo, construction of Water Reservoirs, plantation of trees at the Zoo etc.Later the Advisor conducted a tour of Zoo area and inspected the enclosures constructed for keeping Leopards and Porcupine. Wildlife Warden Jambu Zoo informed the Advisor that the Leopard and Porcupine enclosures are being constructed as per the guidelines of Central Zoo Authority (CZA) so as to ensure providing natural atmosphere to the animals once shifted to this place.K Vijay Kumar also sought other important details regarding the Jambu Zoo project including details of animals, birds to be the part of this Zoo after the completion of the project. He was informed that the animals which are presently kept at Manda Zoo would be shifted here along with other animals from other parts of the state as well as the country.
The zoo will house animals like sambar deer, spotted deer, blue bull, black buck, barking deer, hog deer, goat, fishing cat, bear sloth, wild boar, crocodile etc, the Advisor was informed.The Advisor also inspected the Aviaries, large enclosures for confining birds in the Zoo. He was also apprised about the species of birds proposed to be the part of Jambu Zoo.Arrangements of water supply to the Zoo area was also discussed and was informed that 3 water reservoirs have been constructed to deal with the demand of water for animal consumption and other purposes.Terming the project vital for the state, K Vijay Kumar asked the concerned officers to closely supervise the works and to ensure the quality of works. He also asked for consulting experts dealing with wildlife and providing inputs for developing the Zoo’s on modern lines so that the Jambu Zoo would be made as one of the best Zoo in the country.The Jambu Zoo will have nature simulated vast open enclosures for animals, a reptile house to display wild variety of Snakes, Lizards etc, a nocturnal animal house, large walk-in through Aviaries for birds, butterfly park for butterfly species endemic to the area. visitor’s facilities like cafeteria, visitors park and other recreational areas will be set up at vantage points, invertebrate conservation center depicting invertebrate such as insects, beetles, etc. which is new concept to give due recognition to invertebrates, Research Centre-Nature Interpretation Centre for organizing seminars, conventions, debates etc., Artificial water fall, Artificial lake and provision of Safari.