Provincial Ministers visit Lahore Zoo

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Forests & Wildlife, Malik Muhammad Asif Bha Awan and Minister for Zakat & Ushr, Malik Nadeem Kamran have said that the committee set up for the purchase of wildlife for
completing pair and new animals and birds for Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo Park has submitted its estimated report of Rs. 11 crore, 49 lakh and 50 thousand for this purpose.

The summary for approval will be sent to the Chief Minister after considering all issues.

The Ministers were presiding over a meeting of the committee set up by Punjab Chief Minister to review the affairs of Zoos at Lahore Zoo, here today.

Secretary Forests Capt. (Retd.) Jehanzeb Khan,
Commissioner Lahore Division Abdullah Khan Sumbal, Vice Chancellor University of Animal Sciences, Director General Wildlife Khalid Ayaz Khan,Managing Director Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab Ahmer Malik,Chief Game Warden Shah Rukh Butt, Director Lahore Zoo, Deputy Director
Lahore Safari Zoo Park besides other officers attended the meeting.

Provincial Ministers said that according to the report of the committee, 21 animals and birds will be purchased for completing pair of wildlife which will cost Rs. 6 crore, 62 lakh and 50 thousand while purchase of 12 new animals will cost Rs. four crore and  87 lakh rupees.

The Provincial Ministers also visited Lahore Zoo and directed to evolve a strategy for provision of more facilities as well as landscaping to attract more visitors for increasing income of the zoo. They
directed Director Lahore Zoo to undertake landscaping and art work at Lahore Zoo under public private partnership for improving the existing condition.

Director General Wildlife Khalid Ayaz Khan informed the meeting that negotiations have been held with private sector for developing drive in Zoo Park at Jallo Park over an area of 85 kanals and its master plan is in the final stages of preparation. He said that this will reduce the rush in Lahore Zoo and Safari Zoo Park.  He also presented report in the meeting regarding implementation of the decisions taken in last’s month meeting.