State has no info on relocation of Nehru Zoo to Shadnagar, RTI reveals

Hyderabad: An RTI query has revealed that the State government is in the dark about the relocation of the Nehru Zoological Park to Shadnagar, even though the news of relocation has been making rounds since 2023.

Among many reasons, including air and noise pollution, have sparked interest in the proposed relocation of Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park from its current location near Mir Alam Tank. The RTI response from the Telangana State Forest Department revealed a surprising lack of information on the matter, raising concerns among citizens and investors.

What was the RTI query on Hyderabad Zoo?

Kareem Ansari Yugantar, an RTI activist based in Hyderabad and associated with the website youRTI, filed an RTI application seeking clarity on the zoo’s relocation. His requests included:

1. Accurate details regarding the zoo’s relocation.

2. Copies or links to official gazettes, notifications, reports, budget documents, and other relevant communications.

3. Transfer the request to the appropriate public information officer (PIO) if the information is not available within the addressed office.

What did the government state about the zoo’s relocation?

The principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) responded that no such information was available in their office.

The response clarified that no information is available on the relocation, no copies or links to official documents could be provided and the matter of transferring the request did not arise due to the lack of relevant information.

The communication from the PCCF also stated:

“Vide reference cited, the PIO & ACF (HRD) has forwarded the request of Sri Kareem Ansari Yugantar, Barkathpura, Hyderabad, and requested to furnish the information regarding the relocation of Hyderabad Zoo from Bahadurpura to Shadnagar, sought U/s. 6 (1) of RTI Act, 2005.”

Kareem Ansari Yugantar highlighted the need for government clarification, stating: “The government should provide clarification on whether the zoo park will be relocated to Shadnagar, as common people are investing in land in Shadnagar and surrounding areas based on the expectation of development. If the government plans to relocate, they will inform the relevant department about this issue.”

Do the animals in the Nehru Zoo need a different place?

Speculations about relocating the Nehru Zoological Park to Shadnagar have been ongoing since June 2023. The reasons cited include increasing air and noise pollution and flooding from the neighbouring Mir Alam tank.

The Nehru Zoological Park, inaugurated in 1963, spans 380 acres. Originally located outside Hyderabad at Bahadurpura, it is now part of the city. The area faces sound and air pollution, and drainage water from neighbouring colonies frequently enters the Mir Alam tank. Heavy rains have occasionally caused flooding in parts of the zoo. Relocating the zoo could address these issues and repurpose 380 acres of prime city land for different uses.