Finally, Kolkata's Alipore Zoo to introduce cloakroom facility for visitors
To enhance visitor convenience and streamline guest experience, the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata is set to introduce a dedicated cloakroom facility within its premises. The much-awaited initiative will be installed ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja season.
West Bengal Zoo Authority has approved the implementation of a cloakroom service in response to longstanding concerns raised by both and local visitors, who have often faced difficulties managing their personal belongings during their time at the zoo.
According to Arun Mukherjee, director of the Zoological Garden, the cloakroom will be located adjacent to the main ticket counter for maximum accessibility. 'The facility will house around 1,000 cabinets and will be available free of charge. We are aiming to have it fully operational before the upcoming Durga Puja to better serve the festive crowd,' said Mukherjee.
Established in 1876, Alipore Zoo holds the distinction of being India's oldest zoological park and remains one of the most popular recreational destinations in the city. With an annual footfall of approximately three million, the zoo continues to attract visitors from across the country. However, despite its widespread popularity, the absence of a cloakroom has been a significant shortcoming in its public service infrastructure. Carrying backpacks, food baskets, and other large items has often caused inconvenience to guests, particularly during weekends, holidays, and the peak winter season.
Until now, the zoo's official website had advised visitors to avoid bringing excess baggage, clearly stating that no storage facility was available on site.
This cloakroom facility is in line with the zoo's ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve the quality of services offered to the public. It is expected to ease congestion at entry points and allow visitors to enjoy the zoo's offerings more comfortably.
In recent years, the zoo has introduced several upgrades, including purified drinking water stations, improved restroom facilities, sanitary napkin vending machines, breastfeeding rooms, battery-operated carts, and wheelchairs for the elderly and differently-abled.
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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Indian Express
Finally, Kolkata's Alipore Zoo to introduce cloakroom facility for visitors
To enhance visitor convenience and streamline guest experience, the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata is set to introduce a dedicated cloakroom facility within its premises. The much-awaited initiative will be installed ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja season. West Bengal Zoo Authority has approved the implementation of a cloakroom service in response to longstanding concerns raised by both and local visitors, who have often faced difficulties managing their personal belongings during their time at the zoo. According to Arun Mukherjee, director of the Zoological Garden, the cloakroom will be located adjacent to the main ticket counter for maximum accessibility. 'The facility will house around 1,000 cabinets and will be available free of charge. We are aiming to have it fully operational before the upcoming Durga Puja to better serve the festive crowd,' said Mukherjee. Established in 1876, Alipore Zoo holds the distinction of being India's oldest zoological park and remains one of the most popular recreational destinations in the city. With an annual footfall of approximately three million, the zoo continues to attract visitors from across the country. However, despite its widespread popularity, the absence of a cloakroom has been a significant shortcoming in its public service infrastructure. Carrying backpacks, food baskets, and other large items has often caused inconvenience to guests, particularly during weekends, holidays, and the peak winter season. Until now, the zoo's official website had advised visitors to avoid bringing excess baggage, clearly stating that no storage facility was available on site. This cloakroom facility is in line with the zoo's ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve the quality of services offered to the public. It is expected to ease congestion at entry points and allow visitors to enjoy the zoo's offerings more comfortably. In recent years, the zoo has introduced several upgrades, including purified drinking water stations, improved restroom facilities, sanitary napkin vending machines, breastfeeding rooms, battery-operated carts, and wheelchairs for the elderly and differently-abled.
India.com
03-06-2025
- India.com
10 Must-Know Facts That Make Kolkata City Unique
Kolkata bears its former name Calcutta as it positions itself as one of the culturally significant areas in India. The metropolis resides along the Hooghly River in West Bengal where it has become an essential part of modern India's development. Kolkata shows a special combination of historical elements with cultural diversity and modern development which extends from its colonial background through to its energetic cultural expression. The following ten noteworthy details provide essential information about Kolkata which stands as 'The City of Joy.' 1. The Cultural Capital of India People consider Kolkata to hold cultural capital status in India because of its deep artistic heritage in literature and art together with its important role in music and filmmaking. The city held Nobel laureates Rabindranath Tagore who received Literature and Amartya Sen who won Economics awards and filmmaker Satyajit Ray whose work found success worldwide. The city of Kolkata displays its everlasting passion for culture by hosting the festive Kolkata Book Fair together with its famous Durga Puja celebrations. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and his son Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay joined other literary masters to set Kolkata as an intellectual center. 2. A Colonial Legacy Job Charnock initiated Kolkata with the British East India Company during 1690 before it became the official capital of British India from 1690 to 1911. The historic phase brought forward the creation of Victoria Memorial in addition to St. Paul's Cathedral and Writers Building as a reminder of colonial architectural achievements. The engineering masterpiece of Howrah Bridge which finished without any nuts or bolts during 1943 represents a prominent historical monument of Kolkata. These architectural marvels continue to welcome visitors while preserving their historical significance which represents the long journey of Kolkata. 3. The Birthplace of Indian Nationalism During the Indian independence movement Kolkata served as an active force that contributed critically to the Indian battle. In 1885 the first session of Indian National Congress took place at this location under the direction of Allan Octavian Hume. Through the city leaders Subhas Chandra Bose and Netaji rose as pivotal figures who founded mass freedom movements against British rule. Notable parts of the Indian freedom movement were shaped by Kolkata residents Madan Mohan Malaviya who became a Jallianwala Bagh martyr and by revolutionary Khudiram Bose. 4. Home to the Oldest Operating Port in India The Kolkata Port Trust which formed in 1870 maintains operation of one of India's oldest working ports. The eastern Indian coast port connects eastern Indian regions to Bangladesh and Nepal and Bhutan by providing trade access. Throughout its more than 150-year history the port has continued operating actively to support both regional business growth and economic development. 5. Diverse Culinary Heritage Kolkata stands apart because of its exclusive food culture that incorporates flavors from Bengali as well as Mughal and Chinese and British cooking styles. Two standout traditional delicacies of Bengal are rasgulla and phuchka (also known as golgappa), together with mishti doi (yogurt sweetened with sugar). People of Kolkata love fish curries specially cooked with hilsa and other notable Bengali fish varieties. The Anglo-Indian population in Kolkata is active with traditional food choices including mutton chop and baked beans. 6. The Largest Flower Market in Asia The flower market at Nakshi Bazar ranks as Asia's largest such market and operates in the vicinity of the Howrah Bridge. Thousands of vendors appear each dawn to offer fresh floral products which come from local nearby villages. What people crave most about Nakshi Bazar is its selection of marigolds together with roses and orchids and jasmine flowers that serve local residents and ritual needs. The marketplace draws viewers through its vibrant atmosphere while demonstrating the regular activities of Kolkatans. 7. Pioneering Educational Institutions Many historic Indian educational institutions choose Kolkata as their headquarters while their origins stem from the colonial times. Since 1857 the University of Calcutta has operated as the inaugural South Asian institution dedicated to modern university education. Jadavpur University and Presidency University and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) jointly rank among the top universities in India and appear repeatedly in national university rankings. These educational institutions have generated numerous scholars together with scientists and leaders who have developed India's academic domain. 8. The Tram Network – A Nostalgic Ride The tram system located in Kolkata remains the only functional network within India thus making it a distinctive component of the urban transportation system. Indian citizens experienced emotions of nostalgia when British Raj established these tram services in 1873 because they offered environmentally-friendly transportation. The number of trams in use has decreased through the years yet initiatives strive to protect them as a part of Kolkata's historical legacy. Traveling by tram through the city lets people enjoy its vintage atmosphere. 9. A Hub for Hand-Pulled Rickshaws The operation of hand-pulled rickshaws exists only in specific regions of Kolkata that center on Esplanade and Sealdah. The human-operated transportation system remains a direct link to a previous period through time. Hand-drawn rickshaws continue to honor Kolkata's character through their continued operation while supplying income to disadvantaged employees. 10. Durga Puja: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage During December 2021 UNESCO designated Durga Puja in Kolkata as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During September or October people celebrate five days of festivities to worship the goddess Durga in her triumph over bad forces. Annually millions of people visit structures among the throng of pandals that display beautiful decorations with idols honoring the deity. Durga Puja connects people socially and encourages creative artistry to become a vital organizational value in Kolkata's cultural heritage. Finak Thoughts Kolkata surpasses mere municipal status because it functions as a cultural repository that merges the passage of time with current progress and traditional practices with new ideas. This lively metropolis offers something unique to appeal to everyone including its colonial heritage alongside its celebration events and its intellectual heritage. These ten facts about Kolkata provide a deeper understanding that helps people recognize its worldwide appeal as a city of amazement.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Indian Express
Kolkata's Alipore Zoo to offer open-air butterfly garden
(Written by Adrija Datta) Strolling through an open-air butterfly garden offers a peaceful and enriching experience, where visitors can observe butterflies fluttering freely among flowers and greenery. It fosters a closer connection with nature, while offering insights into the role of these pollinators in the ecosystem. To bring this experience to the public, the West Bengal Zoo Authority plans to develop an open-air butterfly garden within the Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata. 'The open-air butterfly garden will be constructed next to the zoo library. Through this garden, we aim to promote eco-friendly tourism and raise awareness about butterfly conservation and biodiversity,' said Soumen Mondal, Assistant Director of Alipore Zoological Garden. Unlike enclosed butterfly houses or conservatories, the garden will be open to natural elements, allowing butterflies to move freely in and out. The project will focus on creating a sustainable, butterfly-friendly habitat. Extensive landscaping will replicate ideal conditions for butterfly breeding and feeding. Native host plants—essential for caterpillar nourishment and egg-laying—will be cultivated. Since different butterfly species rely on specific host plants, a diverse selection will help maintain population diversity and stability. To support adult butterflies, nectar-rich flowering plants such as lantana, zinnias, pentas, and butterfly bush (Buddleja) will be planted. These species are well-suited to the local climate and are known to attract native butterflies, encouraging regular activity throughout the year. With an estimated construction cost of Rs 4,95,937, the butterfly garden will be a significant addition to Alipore Zoo's eco-tourism offerings. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)
