New African elephant to arrive at Lahore Zoo by August

–Chief secretary for better facilities at zoo, Quaid-e-Azam Library

LAHORE: Lahore Zoo Director Hassan Ali Sukhera on Sunday said that a new elephant, purchased from Africa at a cost of Rs50 million, will arrive at the zoo within a month.

Briefing Punjab Chief Secretary Akbar Durrani, during his visit to Lahore Zoo and the Quaid-e-Azam Library, the director informed that construction work on the Rs120 million Dinosaurs Park at the zoo was underway and would be completed soon.

Earlier, the chief secretary directed Sukhera to fill vacant posts, provide uniform to staff and ensure seating as well as drinking water facilities for the people visiting the zoo.

Akbar Durrani directed the wildlife director general to ensure international level facilities like lighting effects, latest sound system and installation of signboards and LED at the zoo to attract visitors. He remarked that there were only a few green belts in the zoo and steps should be taken to make it greener and the Parks and Horticulture Authority’s help should be sought in this regard.

“Punjab government has launched a massive tree plantation campaign this year, setting a target of planting 30 million saplings within three months. People should be sensitised about benefits of planting trees,” he added.

The chief secretary also directed that cleanliness arrangements should be improved at the Quid-e-Azam Library. Interacting with people, during his visit, he said the library had a historic status and there was a need to highlight its importance.

He ordered the Archives and Libraries secretary to prepare an estimate for the repair and renovation of the library so that the historic building could be rehabilitated. He mentioned that orientation sessions should be arranged for students who used the library for preparation of CSS exam.

The chief secretary also issued instructions regarding the purchase of furniture for the newspaper section, installation of new air conditioners and the opening of a canteen. He said that besides health and education, the provision of recreational facilities was also the responsibility of the government.