Sambalpur: Big Announcement During Union Minister’s Zoo Visit; Sambalpur Zoo to Become Odisha’s Second Nandankanan

A Green Lungs Project for the City

Sambalpur: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that with the combined efforts of the central and state governments, Sambalpur Zoo will soon be developed as Odisha’s second Nandankanan.

Minister’s Visit and Key Discussions

This morning, Pradhan visited Sambalpur Zoo, located at Burla’s Brookshill. There, he discussed various issues, including bringing in new animals, with the forest department and district administration. Moreover, he emphasized preparing a detailed plan to transform the zoo in the style of Nandankanan.

Focus on Tourist Facilities

Importantly, the minister stressed improving tourist facilities and suggested that the zoo staff be given better training to handle visitors more efficiently.

Morning Walk and Greenery Efforts

On this occasion, Pradhan also took a four-kilometer morning walk inside the lush zoo surroundings. Additionally, Hirakud Wildlife Division DFO Anshuprangya Dash briefed him on the ongoing development works. Notably, separate enclosures for tigers and crocodiles have already been built.

Zoo’s Wildlife and Future Plans

Spread across 13 hectares, the zoo currently houses 17 species, including leopards, bears, sambars, deer, four-horned antelopes, blackbucks, peacocks, and exotic birds. To enhance the visitor experience, a special glass-viewing enclosure has been set up for the leopards. On weekends and holidays, the zoo attracts over 1,500 visitors.

According to the approved master plan by the Central Zoo Authority, the zoo will house 48 species over the next ten years. In the past two years alone, more than 20,000 saplings have been planted, and efforts are underway to green the remaining areas, turning the zoo into the city’s “green lungs.”

History and Continuous Development

Originally established as a deer park in 1985, it was officially declared ‘Sambalpur Zoo’ by the Central Zoo Authority in 2023. The zoo now features its own office building and an orchidarium. According to the DFO, continuous new initiatives are being taken to enhance the zoo’s infrastructure and visitor base.

Officials Present During the Visit

During the minister’s visit, several senior officials were present, including Northern Range Revenue Commissioner Sachin Ramchandra Yadav, District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, Northern Police Range IG Himanshu Lal, SP Mukesh Bhamu, and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Vedbhushan, among others.