Foundation stone laid for Kozhikode Biological Park project

Development that includes all sections of society is the State government’s policy, Forest and Wildlife Minister A.K. Saseendran has said. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the first phase of the Kozhikode Biological Park project at Muthukad near Perambra on Tuesday (February 17).

A key step in regional wildlife conservation and tourism development, the Forest department plans to set up the model biological park where visitors can observe wildlife in surroundings that closely resemble their natural habitats, without confining the animals to cages. The park has been envisaged as a space that fosters a harmonious interface between wildlife and people. The project is also expected to evolve into a research centre focusing on forests and wildlife.

The biological park is coming up right next to the entrance of the Perambra Estate. About five kilometres from the site, an animal hospice centre and a veterinary hospital will be established to provide treatment and care for injured wild animals. Work on the projects has already begun.

The construction of a tiger safari park forms the second phase of the biological park project. Officials said the Perambra Estate site was selected for the safari park as the area had a temperate climate, streams, and small sandy mounds suitable for a tiger habitat. The Central and State governments will together spend over ₹100 crore on the implementation of the project.

Mr. Saseendran said the biological park was being established in the district as part of the State government’s comprehensive development initiatives.

The government has earmarked ₹58 crore for the forest sector in the 2026-27 Budget, he said. “As incidents of wildlife attacks have intensified in the State, there has been a tendency to view the Forest department as a villain. However, the department is carrying out development activities while keeping people closely involved,” the Minister said.

He said the State government’s new policy was to ensure the protection of wild animals that stray into human habitats, rather than driving them back into the forests. A conclave involving representatives from 24 countries on issues related to human–wildlife conflict is currently being held in the State capital, Mr. Saseendran added.

T.P. Ramakrishnan, MLA, presided.