Renovation work at deer park begins

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 14

The authorities have initiated the renovation work of sheds for animals and interpretation centre at the deer park here. 

A pheasantry unit for breeding pheasants and peafowls is also being constructed. Two of its portions will be built in the next financial year.

Though the butterfly inn is crying for its renovation, the authorities have started revamping the sheds and interpretation centre after a long time.

An amount of Rs 12 lakh has been spent for renovating the interpretation center, sheds and washrooms, which were earlier in a dilapidated condition.

The authorities said the interpretation centre at the park had been revamped. A library containing more than 900 books on animals and birds and a theatre room to come up here. The objective of it is to educate students and visitors through documentaries and video clips.

Surinder Singh, in charge of the park, said “The estimated budget required to carry out various works at the deer park is sent to the Punjab Zoo Development Society on a monthly basis for approval. The budget has been duly passed. We have constructed new sheds for animals, including nilgais, butterflies and parrots. We have also revamped the washrooms.”

At present, the park has more than 24 species of animals and birds, including black buck, nilgui, parrots and dove, in 23 hectares.

Surinder said, “We have sent a proposal for re-carpeting the road that leads to the park from the Dakala road. It will be re-carpeted at a cost of Rs 10 lakh.”

Officials are also making efforts to bring other animals, including leopards and gharials (long-nosed crocodiles), to the park. 

The butterfly inn at the park has been lying closed for more than 18 years. Surinder said the butterfly inn was not related to the park as it was made by environment society, which was responsible for its upkeep.