-Dinosaur models worth over Rs40 million dilapidated at Marghazar Zoo
ISLAMABAD: The Marghazar Zoo is losing its charm due to the non-maintenance of mechanically designed models of dinosaurs that incurred a cost of Rs40 million in 2013.
These models used to be visited by a large number of tourists and children when they were in good condition. However, the zoo’s best installation is now in dire need of maintenance as the costly sculptures are in a dilapidated condition due to the concerned authority’s lack of interest.
Talking to APP, Sadia Arshad, a visitor at the park said, “The Dino Park used to attract both elders and children due to its dinosaur sculptures but it was now losing the general public’s interest as a majority of the models are either broken or in a very bad condition.”
She urged the authorities for immediate maintenance of these sculptures.
Another visitor Mustafa Kamal said that it was a great initiative by the zoo authorities for choosing this park to sensitise people about the history of the giant creature but it was disappointing that no proper care was being given to the keep the park and installations updated.
Initially, the authority’s defunct Project Management Office (PMO) had purchased these models in 2009 for Rs40 million to install them in Lake View Park but their location was suddenly changed to Ankara Park on Club Road instead. The installation could not be completed due to security reasons.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) then announced that the sculptures would be installed at Marghazar Zoo after considering many possible locations in the Capital for the purpose.
Islamabad Wild Life Management Board (IWMB) Deputy Director Sohail held the visitors responsible for the condition of the models, saying that despite the instructions of not touching the sculptures, visitors did not think twice before physically interacting with the dinosaur sculptures.
“Still, the board staff has been deputed to look after them and a proposal has also been sent to the technical department for the maintenance of these sculptures. The repair work would begin as soon as funds are released,” he assured.