Van Mahotsav 2018 Week: Delhi Zoo to plant 50,000 saplings

Celebrating the Van Mahotsav 2018 week, the National Zoological Park also called Delhi zoo, as a part of its green drive, will plant 50,000 saplings in its premises spread over 176 acres.

Delhi Zoo’s green drive

As Van Mahotsav week is observed across the country from July 1 to 7, Delhi Zoo authorities continues with its tradition of planting trees and this year they have widened the scale of plantation.

“This is an annual drive here but we have widened the scale of plantation this time. In fact, we invited around 100 schoolchildren at the zoo and distributed 200 saplings among them on Wednesday. Besides, we have also planted 200 saplings,” director Renu Singh told PTI.

“We have set a target of planting at least 50,000 saplings in the zoo,” she added.

Led by her, zoo staffers on Thursday took part in a plantation drive near the hippopotamus enclosure.

Contributing to Delhi’s air quality

Various fruit trees, herbs, shrubs and hedges were being planted during the ongoing drive, National Zoological Park curator R A Khan said.

The green zoo can contribute towards improving air quality in the national capital, Singh said.

Delhi is listed among the world’s most polluted cities.

“Zoos make a lot of contribution. There is no noise pollution in the zoo. The temperature here is at least two to three degrees Celsius less compared to outside. It’s greenery in the heart of the city,” Singh said.

Delhi Zoo being renovated

Singh also said that renovation work is underway, including in the reptiles section.

“To facilitate visitors, we are constructing roads and tanks for drinking water. Work is also in progress to expand the parking area,” Singh said.

Meet the longest living inmate – Rita the Chimp

Zoo authorities are working towards getting recognition for the longest living inmate - Rita the chimp.

“We are trying to get recognition for Rita in the Limca Book of Records. She is not only the oldest chimpanzee in India but probably in Asia. She is 58 years old. We are hopeful of getting the recognition,” Singh said.

Rita is said to have been brought to the national capital from Amsterdam in 1964.