Kerala committee formed to accelerate Nadukani safari-park project

Kerala has formed a local committee to accelerate work on the proposed zoo-safari park at Nadukani, Sports, Youth Affairs and Museums Minister O.J. Janeesh said after a review meeting in Taliparamba. Janeesh said considerable time had already been lost and that departments needed to work through a coordinated schedule.

The committee will be chaired by the Taliparamba MLA, with the Zoo department superintendent serving as convenor. Its members include the District Collector, the block panchayat president, the presidents of Kurumathur and Chapparapadavu grama panchayats, the Revenue Divisional Officer, a Social Forestry representative, the Safari Park Special Officer and other officials. The minister said a precise timetable would be prepared for urgent tasks.

A further meeting would be held in the presence of the Chief Minister once procedures, including preparation of the Detailed Project Report, had been completed. The review meeting decided to proceed with preparation of a contour map, an environmental impact assessment and related work. The Kerala Forest Research Institute will prepare an inventory of more than 1,000 trees in the project area.

Officials will also begin securing the 252.8-acre site transferred by the Revenue department to the Zoo department. Initial measures include construction of a compound wall. Approval from the Central Zoo Authority can be sought only after the Detailed Project Report is completed, the minister said.

Under the conditions attached to the land transfer, existing Plantation Corporation workers are to be absorbed into the project. Additional workers may be recruited according to requirements. Public representatives and officials attended the review meeting.