
Cuttack, May 31: The civic body has decided to give a facelift to the deer park at Madhusudan Nagar to attract more visitors.
The Cuttack Municipal Corporation will shortly undertake an ambitious development project that aims to create adequate sitting arrangements, drinking water kiosks and rest sheds for visitors at the deer park at a cost of around Rs 6 lakh. Spread over 2.5 acres, the park houses 160 animals.
The municipal corporation wants to convert the deer park into an amusement centre for residents of the city as well as visitors.
"We have planned to come up with a dedicated zone, apart from Ring Road, to ensure that people can have the glimpse of the animals at multiple locations," said A. Sridevi, chairperson of the civic body's standing committee on park and plantation.
At present, visitors can see the animals only from the Ring Road where the civic body has set up three temporary sitting arrangements. According to proposals, temporary sheds will be set up near Madhukunj Park and its surroundings, so that visitors can get a proper view of the animals proper from these sides.
However, following the recommendations of the Central Zoo Authority, the municipal corporation now plans to stop viewing of the animals from Ring Road because of increasing public nuisance and noise pollution caused by vehicles.
Sources said many visitors were also throwing articles, such as biscuits and waste, into the park from Ring Road.
"We have decided to utilise the space between the grills on the Ring Road side to plant trees to provide extra cover to the animals from the direct heat. At the same time, it will also act as a natural deterrent for those who try to feed the animals from the roadside," Sridevi said.
The work for development of greenery and other peripheral works is expected to start by next month.
The corporation has also decided to come up with display boards inside the deer park to inform visitors about the animals, their food habits and other information about the park.
"There is no proper space for watching the animals. We hope that the municipal corporation's plans materialise shortly," said Altamas Wasi, a visitor to the deer park.