Nor’wester wreaks havoc in Nandankanan, zoo closed

Bhubaneswar: Nor’wester rains that lashed several parts of Odisha on Thursday have wreaked havoc in Nandankanan Zoological park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

According to reports, several trees were uprooted, sheds damaged while 33 KV electric lines have been also snapped under the impact of heavy rains accompanied with gusty winds in the afternoon.

Keeping in view the large-scale damage, the Nandankan Zoo officials have decided to close down the park for the general visitors for the next two days till June 3^rd.

Deputy Director, Nandankanan informed that as per preliminary assessment, property worth Rs 50 lakh has been damaged inside the zoological park.

There has been no damage to the enclosures while all the animals at Nandankanan are said to be safe, official sources said.

Also Read: Nandankanan zoo entry fee rises to Rs 40 from Rs 25

“It is for the first time that we faced the wrath of nature. Our family had come to the park for a trip but due to the heavy winds and rains we were stranded inside the zoo for an hour,” said Pradip Agarwal, a visitor.

Agarwal further said that several trees, temporary sheds of roadside kiosks were blown while there has been extensive damage to billboards and electric cables at Raghunathpur.