On one hand Nagpur boasts of having world-class Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoo which is known for its state-of-the-art facilities for tourists and residing wild animals, on the other, the city is earning bad reputation for lack of maintenance of iconic Maharajbag Zoo. Located in the heart of the city, the zoo is struggling for the survival as apathetic and lackadaisical approach by the administration is forcing it to die a slow death. Maharajbag Zoo was established 130 years ago by Bhonsale dynasty for hunting. In 1969, the green patch in Sitabuldi area was handed over to Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola. From there onwards, the Maharajbagh was looked after by the Associate Dean of Agriculture College of PDKV. Due to lack of proper maintenance of the whole premises, the age old cages have turned dilapidated.

 

Every day thousands of people visit the zoo. However, the cages and enclosures are in pathetic condition. Most of the cages in the zoo are dark, the iron nets in the cages are rusted, other animal enclosures are dirty, tall bushes outside the enclosure restrict the visitor’s visibility. The enclosure of two tigers are in bad shape. Two tigers are kept in two different cages which are situated in the same enclosure divided by a partition to avoid any fight between the two tigers. However, the partition of the enclosure has leaned on one side and supported by only bamboos. These tigers are the major attraction of the zoo among visitors.

 

 

 

Due to lack of cleaning of the enclosure, tall bushes outside the enclosure restrict visibility of visitors. Mowgli garden where visitors can do different adventure activities is also in bad condition. The adventure rides there are in poor shape. Even the bamboo bridge which is the only path to cross the Naag river to enter the Mowgli garden is in bad shape and crossing the bridge itself is a matter of adventure for many. “Somehow, we are managing the zoo as the administration is not getting any funds from the Government. We have outsourced the ticketing part of the zoo. It is the only source of revenue helping us to feed the animals and pay the staff,” Sunil Bawaskar, Officer in-charge, Maharajbag Zoo told ‘The Hitavada’.

 

“Normally we witness huge footfall during National Holidays. However other days we witness normal number of visitors. Whatever we are getting from tickets, we are completely utilising it for maintenance of the zoo,” he added. There are 55 employees working in Maharajbag. This work force take care of the zoo, animals and the garden. There are a total 13 open animal enclosures and 24 night shelters in the zoo. There are a total 246 animals, birds and reptiles residing in the zoo. Lack of proper coordination and internal dispute in Maharajbag zoo administration is another major reason behind the apathetic condition of the zoo. The dust pollution in Maharajbag is another challenge for the administration as all the trees, bushes and shrubs are covered with a layer of dust due to ongoing construction work around the zoo premises. With broken dustbins, benches, rides, ill-maintained fountain etc. in its premises, the zoo is cutting a sorry figure in the minds of the visitors. Yet, people are visiting the place and spending quality time with their family and friends. It is high time when the Government and civic administration come forward to transform the condition of this iconic tourist spot of the city.