Minister Ramalinga Reddy and officials at the inauguration of new facilities at Bannerghatta Biological Park. Image: Ramalinga Reddy
Bengaluru: Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy visited Bannerghatta Biological Park and inaugurated a series of tourist-friendly development works and new facilities worth Rs 38 crore, aimed at further strengthening wildlife conservation, animal welfare and the amenities available to visitors.
New electric vehicles were flagged off to make rides easier for visitors. The Minister also inaugurated the newly built administrative office building, “Adavi”, along with a live feed unit, a central nursery and the park’s renovated main entrance gate, and started a new quarantine block.
A new zoo shop and the Suvarnamukhi cafe were opened for visitors, and quarters for forest staff were inaugurated. Enclosures for wolves, cheetahs, emus and rheas, and pheasants were also opened.
On the occasion, the Minister directed that the hippopotamus block and the hippo calf be named “Sameeksha” in memory of veterinary officer Dr Sameeksha, who died in Shivamogga during hippopotamus treatment.
Visiting the safari area, the Minister inaugurated the viewing tower of the “Suvarna Elephant Care Centre”, dedicated to the health, care, welfare and management of elephants. He also observed, through a safari, the wildlife conservation and management activities being carried out at the park.
MLAs B. Shivanna and M. Krishnappa, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Ravi B.P., IFS, and other senior forest officials attended all the programmes.
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