The Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker pledged full support for upgrading Indira Gandhi Zoo to international standards akin to Singapore’s Mandai. He flagged a persistent funding shortfall, unfilled posts and called for CSR‑driven financial solutions and legal reforms.
Key Takeaways
- Visakhapatnam zoo has 59 vacant positions out of 81 sanctioned posts
- Annual budget of at least ₹10 crore required for a Singapore‑style makeover
- Potential funding from CSR contributions and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams
Members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Committee on Wildlife and Environment Protection inspected the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) on Tuesday. The committee’s chair, Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, announced an ambitious plan to transform the zoo to match the standards of Singapore’s Mandai Zoo.
Current State of IGZP
Sanctioned in 1972 and opened in 1977, the 625‑acre facility houses 1,404 animals across 108 species in 81 enclosures. Curator G. Mangamma reported that only 22 of the 81 authorized posts are filled, leaving a critical staffing shortage. A single veterinarian, assisted by one helper, tends to the entire collection—a stark contrast to global best practices.
Financial Shortfall and Funding Avenues
Speaker Patrudu emphasized that the zoo’s operating costs far outstrip its current revenue. He suggested that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) could allocate funds for maintenance, while the region’s 120 factories might contribute ₹2‑3 crore annually under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) schemes. He also demanded inclusion of water‑tank provisions in the budget to resolve the chronic shortage of drinking water and inadequate restroom facilities for the roughly 4,000 daily visitors.
Planned Infrastructure and Species Enhancements
The panel examined proposals for an over‑bridge linking the zoo with the neighboring Kambalakonda Eco Park, a new reptile house, a neonatal intensive care unit within the zoo hospital, and the introduction of flagship species such as jaguar, puma, chimpanzee, hoolock gibbon and orangutan. After planting saplings, members visited the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, laying the foundation stone for an additional watchtower and a pagoda.
Legal and Policy Recommendations
During a later meeting with officials from Forest, Revenue, VMRDA and GVMC, the Speaker estimated a minimum annual requirement of ₹10 crore. He announced that the committee will submit a comprehensive action plan covering wildlife, forest and environmental protection, including any necessary legal reforms. Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore confirmed that CSR contributions could raise ₹3 crore, while MLC Palavalasa Vikranth said a Mandai‑model study would be ready by August’s end.
If executed effectively, the revamp could position Visakhapatnam as a premier wildlife tourism hub and set a benchmark for zoo modernization across India.