Bhubaneswar: The Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) authorities here today closed the zoo for visitors following protest over series death of elephants at the zoo and unchecked dumping of untreated wastes in the nearby Daruthenga area.
Hundreds of agitators led by Congress leader and Jatni MLA Suresh Routray demonstrated in front of the zoo gate demanding immediate shifting of the dumping yard from Daruthengaarea situated in the fringe of the zoo. Demonstrators alleged that the dumping yard is the main reason behind the spread of herpes virus that has so far claimed lives of four elephants in the zoo.
Following the protests, Nandankanan authorities shut the zoo for the day in view the safety of tourists and prevent any untoward incident.
"The entire waste of Bhubaneswar is dumped at Daruthenga. The filthy water and foul smell emanating from the dumping yard is solely responsible for deaths of four elephants, three tigers and other animals at the Nandankanan," Routray who is the president of Nandankanan Surakhya Committee alleged.
"We have urged the government to immediately shift the dumping yard and take steps for proper treatment of the affected animals at the zoo. This apart adequate care should be given to bring same number of animals which died at the zoo. Nandankanan is the pride of India as well as Odisha and upholding its dignity is our responsibility," he added.
Routray threatened to gherao the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on October 25 if the government fail to take measures in this regard immediately.