Sambalpur, May 26: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced plans to transform Sambalpur Zoo into Odisha’s second Nandankanan Zoological Park. The project will be a joint effort between the Central Government and the State Government.
Pradhan visited the zoo on Sunday, where he inspected the current facilities and explored both the zoological and botanical gardens. He also met with local residents, Forest Department officials, and district administration staff to discuss plans for the zoo’s future.
The Union Minister shared that a detailed development plan will be created to upgrade the zoo, making it similar to the Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneswar.
Sambalpur Zoo is unique in several ways. It is home to the state’s only glass-view leopard enclosure, allowing visitors to observe leopards up close. The zoo also features a nocturnal animal house, where visitors can learn about animals that are active during the night.
Another special attraction at the zoo is its open orchidarium, which houses around 100 species of orchids. Additionally, the zoo hosts weekly storytelling sessions led by wildlife experts, promoting conservation awareness among visitors of all ages.
Pradhan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Sambalpur, added that the zoo is equipped with a dedicated animal hospital and provides 24/7 veterinary care to ensure the animals' health and well-being.
Pradhan shared that nine hectares of the zoo will be developed into a green belt. This will create an urban forest in Sambalpur, helping to reduce the city’s rising temperatures and boost biodiversity.
The Minister emphasized the need to improve the zoo's facilities for visitors and provide better training for zoo staff to ensure better animal care and enhance public interactions. He believes this will not only boost eco-tourism but also help younger generations connect more with nature.
In a related environmental initiative, Pradhan encouraged people to join the national tree plantation movement, ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, which will begin on World Environment Day, June 5. Over the next three months, more than one lakh saplings will be planted in Sambalpur, making the city greener and cleaner.
He urged residents to actively participate in the local ‘Maa Paain Gachhatie’ campaign, which aligns with the national mission for environmental sustainability.
