Environment Minister Eshwar…
### Quick Summary:
– Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre directed officials to propose converting the aquarium building at Mysuru’s Karanji Lake into a penguin park.
– Experts believe the site is suitable for housing penguins, and the Minister emphasized providing state-of-the-art facilities in Karnataka zoos to attract more tourists.
– He suggested establishing exchange programs with foreign zoos and mandated all zoos to create plans for financial self-sustainability within five years.
– The Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMEIRC) funds will be used for zoo advancement in mining regions, including ₹2 crore sanctioned for davangere zoo development. A ₹20 crore allocation was proposed for an aviary project in Bidar.
– Entry fees at Sri Chamarajendra Zoo and Bannerghatta Zoo were approved for a 20% hike, though safari ticket prices will remain unchanged.
– Strong measures were directed against single-use plastic waste entering Karnataka’s zoos.
### Indian Opinion Analysis:
The proposal to develop a penguin park at mysuru’s Karanji lake reflects an attempt to modernize zoological attractions and expand tourism avenues. introducing specialized exhibits, such as enclosures suited for exotic species like penguins, could help raise footfall and revenue streams while potentially enhancing educational value. The move aligns with broader efforts toward creating lasting operational models across karnataka’s zoos.Utilizing funds from bodies like KMEIRC is strategically beneficial as it leverages resources linked to environmental restoration in affected areas. This could potentially bring developmental parity between urban centers and mining districts-a significant step if executed effectively.
While hiking entry fees may offset rising maintenance costs without significantly burdening visitors due to its moderate scale (20%),retaining affordable safari tickets could ensure participation remains inclusive across income groups. Initiatives like preventing single-use plastics signal environmental stewardship that strengthens eco-tourism prospects aligned with global sustainable practices.
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Environment Minister Eshwar…