Pilikula Development Authority keen on handing over Pilikula Biological Park to Zoo Authority of Karnataka, says DC

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan has said that Pilikula Development Authority is keen to hand over the operation and maintenance of Pilikula Biological Park (or zoo) to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK).

Denying reports that the Karnataka High Court has made adverse comments on the way animals are being taken care at the Pilikula Biological Park, Mr. Darshan told reporters on Thursday that the park is among the best managed zoo in the State. Mr. Darshan, who heads the Authority, said the ZAK has sought some changes in the infrastructure in the park. The modalities of maintenance of the park are being worked out. “I will have a discussion with ZAK in a week’s time,” he said during his interaction with reporters at the Mangaluru Press Club.

Meanwhile, in a press note, Commissioner of the Authority, N. Arun Kumar Shetty, said on Friday, that a public interest litigation on operation and maintenance of the park is pending before the High Court. The High Court has so far not issued any direction to the Authority. Social reports on the matter doing rounds is far away from the truth. The park continues to be open for public, Mr. Shetty stated.

Regarding promenade development work between Netravathi Railway Bridge and Bolar Sea Face, the Deputy Commissioner while interacting with press persons on Thursday said the Mangaluru Smart City Ltd. has presently completed 650 meters of work. The remaining work on the 1.8 km is expected to be completed by this May.

The bridge across the Phalguni (or Gurupura river) being constructed between Sulthan Bathery and Tannirbhavi, Mr. Darshan said, would be completed before commencement of this monsoon.

He said district administration is working towards easing traffic movement at junctions, including KPT and Nantoor, where city roads join the National Highway 66.

“By the end of March, the NHAI will give a presentation before the district administration about its proposals which will give us a clear idea about structures planned at Nantoor and KPT junctions. We will then give our suggestions to NHAI, if necessary,” he said.