[IN-Bangalore] Bannerghatta goes in for a redesign

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All that the lone striped hyena at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

needs, more than his freedom and maybe a companion, is just a place

comfortable enough to wander in. And it came to him after a decade of

existing in a surrounding that he evidently got accustomed to. A soft

flooring, in contrast to the previous concrete one, that made his movement

within his enclosure easy, was the least he could get. Thanks to the

Executive Director K B Markandaiah's keen involvement in initiating new

designs with the aim of taking the park to international standards along

with supporting the three dedicated volunteers (a wildlife researcher and a

couple of IT professionals) in doing so.

" When the park was set up three decades ago, it was merely a place that

people could come for a good weekend picnic. Soon the idea for a biological

park was mooted but it was done in a haphazard manner that didn't involve

too much forethought. It was after the Central Zoo Authority was set up that

certain regulations came into fore and presently it is our aim to follow

those standards and make this park a better place for the inhabitants as

well as visitors, " shares Markandaiah.

But he is quick to add that he isn't alone in this initiative of a revamp of

the park. Apart from monetary assistance from the Karnataka Urban

Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (KUIDFC) and the

Karnataka Tourism department, he says a few spirited volunteers have come

forward to do their bit in this venture. " It's an integral part of any

development to have a strong force of individuals who can work towards the

cause. It makes the entire initiative possible, " he says.

The first step of this re-design was without doubt expansion, adding another

40 hectares to the existing land area. The new area will mostly house

primates and nocturnal animals in larger enclosures that will have as

natural a condition as possible. " Trees will be planted that will provide

these animals some room for activity. More space to move around and the most

important aspect — only one-third of the enclosure will be open for visitors

while the major part of it will be closed keeping in mind the importance of

the privacy of the animal, " says Markandaiah, adding that a large aviary for

the many birds they house is also part of the plan.

Vigilant watch

Apart from the major developments, it has come to the notice of the

volunteers that some visitors fling leftover food and other waste at the

animals inside enclosures disturbing them. " This is a major nuisance and to

tackle this problem, we are considering installing surveillance cameras at

strategic points to monitor visitors as well as ensure that guards on duty

are always vigilant, " he says.

Along with development comes education that's equally and maybe more

important. For this, the park will have an Interpretation Centre set up by

the Karnataka Tourism department. Here, there will be useful information on

the animals at the park and regular screening of films related to wildlife

and conservation. " We are also setting up Green Shops that will have

environment-friendly articles such as t-shirts, pens, among others that can

be taken back as memorabilia. Food courts, more restrooms and a designated

parking area, away from the enclosures is being developed. Even safaris will

be planned in such a way that it does not interfere too much with the

animal's routine. Training programmes for guards is yet another crucial

facet that we aim to do on a regular basis, " shares Markanaiah.

Volunteers feel that if the revamp goes as per the blueprint and lives upto

the expectations of the people, the Bannerghatta Biological Park might just

be able to set a benchmark for other parks in the country that are awaiting

the redesign.

Meanwhile, the lone hyena also awaits his companion.

Madhumitha B

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BOX: Revamping of the park

1. Work began in February 2007

2. Adding 40 hectares to the existing area of the park

3. Estimated cost of the entire project — Rs 10 crore

4. Funded primarily by KUIDFC and Karnataka Tourism department along with

contributions from a few corporates

5. Plan to add jaguars from Singapore, racoons and squirrel monkeys from

South America and hyenas from Jharkand to the park is on the cards

6. The project plan includes:

- Larger enclosures for animals designed akin to their natural conditions —

trees for cats and monkeys, bamboo plantations for elephants to name a few

- Keeping only one side of the enclosure open for visitors taking into

consideration privacy of the animals.

- Closed-circuit television (CCTVs) will be installed to monitor strategic

enclosures

- Green shops to promote environment-friendly memorabilia

- Interpretation centre to educate visitors on the animals along with

training programmes for guards.

7. The project is due for completion by the end of March 2008

8. Volunteers are welcome to assist in cash and kind. Those who want to do

their bit for the inhabitants of the park can get in touch qith Sharada and

Rateesh on www.bannerghattabiopark.in and follow the link directed to the

volunteer committee (under Contact Us).

 

 

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