The under-construction food mart near the lake at Patna zoo. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Visitors to Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park would soon be able to delve into delicious dishes in between watching birds and animals, as the zoo authorities are planning to convert the existing canteen into a two-storeyed food mart.

In the first stage of the project, the ground floor of the food mart would be converted into four counters that would sell snacks, Chinese delicacies, south Indian food, beverages and ice creams.

“We have begun the tendering process to select individuals or firms to operate the four food counters at the ground floor of the upcoming mart at Patna zoo. We plan to develop an air-conditioned restaurant in the second stage of this project,” B.A. Khan, principal chief conservator of forest, told The Telegraph on Sunday.

Sources said the four food counters would serve only vegetarian items and use Agmark-certified raw material to prepare the dishes.

The forest department has also planned to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness at the counters. The use of polythene and plastic at the food counters would be prohibited and eco-friendly material would be used. There would also be no music or noise at these counters.

A water cooler and purifier would be installed at the ground floor of the food mart for the visitors. Customers would be able to sit while eating at the 300sqft open area in front of the counters.

Besides the food mart, the zoo authorities would soon introduce three two-seat and seven four-seat vessels, along with a floating jetty, in the old lake at the biological park in the capital.