5 years after fund allocation, Salem's Kurumbapatti Zoo awaits upgrade

SALEM'S only zoological park at Kurumbapatti, established in 1981 on the foothills of Shevaroyan Hills, awaits its long-promised upgrade to a medium-sized zoo, even as works are under way and funds were released.

- SNEHA SIVASHANMUGAM @Salem

The state government had first announced the upgradation in 2020 with an allocation of ₹8 crore.

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA), the statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, regulates all zoos in the country and grants recognition based on set criteria.

Under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992, a medium zoo must spread over at least 50 hectares, housing a minimum of 500 animals from at least 35 species, and record 5-7.5 lakh visitors annually.

Kurumbapatti falls short of these benchmarks.

Spread across 31.73 hectares, the park currently houses 285 animals from 21 species, with annual footfall of three-four lakh.