New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pushed for upgrading Sambalpur Zoo during his meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav here on Wednesday.
“Requested his intervention in expansion and up-gradation of Sambalpur Zoo to the “Medium Zoo” category. This expansion would facilitate the induction of new species and the development of educational and research facilities,” Dharmendra posted on X
This comes fours days after he announced plans to develop Sambalpur Zoo as Odisha’s second Nandankanan Zoological Park with joint efforts from the central and the state governments during a visit to the zoo in Sambalpur.
The Sambalpur MP also requested for Tiger Reserve status for Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. ” It will promote tiger conservation in the region and give boost to tourism,” he added.
Dharmendra also drew his attention to the urgent need for the development of Nagar Vans in the industrial belt of Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Brajrajnagar, the coal belt of Angul-Dhenkanal, and the heat-affected region of Titilagarh-Bolangir of Odisha under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY).
Unique Features
Sambalpur Zoo has several unique features, including the state’s only glass-view leopard enclosure for close-up observation and a nocturnal animal house showcasing nighttime-active species. It also boasts an open orchidarium with 100 orchid varieties and weekly storytelling sessions by wildlife experts to foster conservation awareness across all ages.
Dharmendra had then stated that nine hectares will be transformed into a green belt, creating an urban forest to mitigate rising summer temperatures and enhance biodiversity in Sambalpur.
