The problems faced by the Mysore City Zoo on Thursday night and practically every year due to heavy rains will be permanently solved in a month, said District-in-Charge Minister S.A. Ramdas.
"I read the report in SOM yesterday and rushed to the Zoo to see for myself how the problem can be solved once and for all," he said while speaking to SOM this morning.
The problem has been neglected by both the MCC and the Zoo authorities for years, said Ramdas adding that firm, decisive action must be taken forthwith. "I have suggested that a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) be built at the present UGD and storm water drain area and this will at least filter and keep the water pure and thus save the health of the birds and animals," he said.
New UGD system
Speaking to SOM, Karnataka Zoo Authority Chairman Nanjundaswamy said that the entire problem could have been avoided in the first place if Siddhartha Nagar and the abutting houses in the lowlying area had a pro-per sewage and underground drainage system. The people in this area throw all their garbage in the storm water drain and this gets into the Zoo through Karanji Lake, he said.
"In fact, when Manivannan was the DC, he had suggested that the people living in the lowlying portion of Siddhartha Nagar move out and that he would provide alternate sites, but it did not work out," said Nanjundaswamy.
"At the moment, the only solution is, through the MCC, to build an underground drainage system that goes under the Zoo, taking excess water from Karanji Lake to Doddakere Maidan which can be used after treatment for other purposes," he added.
Meanwhile, the City Zoo authorities have recruited casual labour on a war-footing to clear the clogged water outflow channels. They will be on the job till the rains decrease. Other measures will be taken to divert excess water flow from Karanji Lake.
Sources in the Zoo said that two squads have been formed to specially monitor the excess water outflow and to keep the drains clear of garbage and debris. They will be working round-the-clock, said sources.
Yesterday it was discovered that the run-off from the rivulets from Chamundi Hill were also flowing into the Zoo through underground natural channels, thus adding to the problem. The Zoo Authority is working on finding a solution to the problem.
Zoo flooded only in certain lowlying areas
Speaking to SOM, Zoo Dy. Director Vijay Kumar said the death of the Nilgai was unfortunate, but it had nothing to do with floods. He reiterated that flooding occurred only in certain areas and the entire Zoo was not affected.
Courtesy : Star Of Mysore