Thiruvananthapuram | The Congress-led UDF government in Keralam appears set to proceed with the proposed relocation of the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo despite opposition from the CPI(M), with state Health Minister K Muraleedharan on Friday saying that shifting the Zoo to the forest area adjacent to Neyyar in the district would be carried out smoothly.
Recently, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the government was considering relocating the zoo to a location such as Neyyar, outside Thiruvananthapuram city, where better facilities could be provided for the animals.
CPI(M) leaders, however, objected to the proposal, alleging that commercial interests were behind the move, as the Zoo is located at the heart of the state capital city.
Thiruvananthapuram Mayor and BJP leader VV Rajesh also had supported the government proposal.
Speaking to reporters, Muraleedharan said relocating the zoo would provide better conditions for the animals and would not diminish Thiruvananthapuram's importance.
"When the Thrissur Zoo was relocated in the past, nothing went wrong. Did that diminish the importance of the zoo or Thrissur? No. The sound from Kanakakkunnu and the microphone and clamour from Nishagandhi are a huge disturbance for animals. So, moving it to the vicinity of Neyyar Dam would be much better," he said.
"This move will not reduce Thiruvananthapuram's importance in any way. The capital has its own significance. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with relocating the zoo," the minister said.
Rejecting allegations of commercial interests, Muraleedharan said, that such proposals have existed for a long time.
He said the proposal was the result of collective deliberations and would be implemented smoothly.
"Calling it wrong only when one group does it, but right when another group does it, isn't fair. This is a decision taken collectively after careful deliberation. It will be implemented smoothly without giving room for complaints," he said.
Asked whether the government has decided to proceed with the proposal, Muraleedharan said, "What doubt is there about that? The proposal has been submitted. Moving forward according to it is the best course of action, which is also the opinion received by the government."
On opposition to the move, he said, "Well, let them oppose. People oppose everything these days anyway. At least they are united in opposing projects." Asked whether the Neyyar is specially selected for setting up the Zoo, he said the proposed location would provide more space for animals to roam freely.
He said the Chief Minister would make an announcement and provide more details later.