GUWAHATI, Sept 25: Assam State Zoo-cum-Botanical Garden has been declared a no-smoking zone today. In conformity with this declaration, selling of cigarettes, pan and other tobacco materials at the parking lot outside the gate of the zoo has also been banned. The parking lot outside the zoo gate will also be made a no-smoking zone later. A proposal for night safari in the zoo is also under consideration of the Government.
In a function at the zoo today, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi declared the zoo a no-smoking zone. He inaugurated a veterinary operation theatre and an X-ray room at the zoo campus, besides flagging off as many as 41 vehicles for various branches of the State Forest Department.
In his speech, Gogoi said: “The State Government has taken several steps to motivate the forest staff, since conservation of forest and wildlife has much to do with tourism, environment protection and economic development of the State.” He said along with forest, agro-forestry has also been accorded priority by the State Government.
Speaking on the occasion, Asom Forest and Environment Minister Rokcybul said: “We have almost achieved the target of planting two crore saplings in the hillocks that are without trees, and NGOs and students have played an important role to make that happen.
On the proposal for night safari in the zoo, Hussain said: “Night safari will be a reality in December this year. Initially, a fleet of two battery-operated safari cars — each of the capacity of 12 persons — will be put to service. We have budgetary allocation for that.”
Hussain further said rhino population has increased in the State. “Currently there are over 2,000 rhinos in the State, and a rhino management plan is under process.”
source: sentinel assam
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