Odisha MLA threatens to lock up Nandankanan Zoo on Sept 25

Bhubaneswar: Protesting the dumping yard at Daruthenga near Nandankanan Zoological Park, senior Congress leader and Jatni MLA Sura Routray on Monday threatened to lock up the zoo if the government doesn't consider shifting of the dumping yard to another place soon.

While addressing a gathering, the MLA alleged that the dumping yard is the main reason behind the spread of herpes virus that has so far claimed lives of four elephants at the zoo. If the situation continues and the government doesn't take immediate steps, the zoo will be soon void of birds and animals, said Routray.

"We will lock up the gate for an hour on September 25 to draw the attention of government towards the grave issue. If the issue is not resolved through discussion, permanently lock up the gate and collect funds to hire experts from outside of Odisha for medication. We will not let birds and animals die at the zoo," Routray added.