Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The third advisory committee meeting held on Saturday suggested several measures to upgrade facilities at the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP). Among the main recommendations, research along with conservation breeding, wildlife awareness, animal welfare, interpretation/environmental education centre with education focus, improving biodiversity, employee trainings, improving social media presence, water pollution issues related to Mir Alam Tank, fodder area development, landscape improvements, adding new animals to collection, collaborative research in the zoos and parks of Telangana figured prominently.

Genetic diversity

There is an exchange programme at the NZP with 15 proposals in the pipeline during the year to improve the Animal collection and Genetic Diversity. It may be noted that in the last few years many animals were brought to the zoo from different countries and states as part of the exchange programme.

Research and Animal Health related studies that were carried in collaboration with reputed National Institutes CCMB, Attapur, Hyderabad, VBRI, Meat Research Institute, Millet Research Institute to name a few. Work on cloning of animals especially the tiger is underway.

Research Centre at NZP

Among the recommendations, establishing a designated conservation and research centre within the zoo to promote in-depth studies and facilitate species recovery efforts was sought. Also, to set up a disease diagnostic centre to enable prompt detection and containment of diseases affecting captive animals.

In zoonotic studies, collaborative approach is suggested by experts and the committee members called for the promotion of collaborative research initiatives by involving national and international research institutions. This would enable MSc and PhD students to undertake thesis and dissertation work at the zoo. The members called for collaborate with AIIMS Bibinagar to undertake research on zoonotic diseases and establish preventive health strategies

Mir Alam Tank issue     

For years, during the rainy season, water from the Mir Alam Tank floods the zoo resulting in water logging and closure of the zoo to public. The members suggested for a permanent solution.

The recommendations will be presented to the Governing Board of Zoos and Parks Authority of Telangana (ZAPAT) for taking further action.

The meeting was attended by Elusing Meru, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (P&V) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Telangana & Chairperson, Zoo Advisory Committee, Hyderabad Zoo, Dr. Sunil S. Hiremath, Director Zoo Park, Hyderabad, Sreevatsa Kota, Joint Metropolitan Commissioner, HMDA, Srinivas, Director Urban Forestry, HMDA, Dr. Umapathy, Prl. Scientist & I/c Director, LaCONES, CCMB, Hyderabad, A. Shankaran, Dy.C.F. (Retd) & OSD, (WL), O/o Prl. Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), TG and others.