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Indian Express
3 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.
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.)
