Kolkata, 24 July (H.S.) -Former Trinamool Congress MP and ex-IAS officer Jawhar Sircar has raised serious concerns over the dwindling number of animals at Kolkata’s iconic Alipore Zoological Garden. In a scathing social media post, Sircar accused the West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of turning a blind eye to what he termed as a shocking decline in the zoo’s animal population and questioned the motives behind alleged land auctions linked to the zoo.
Citing official figures, Sircar pointed out that the number of animals and birds in the zoo has dropped drastically—from 1,872 in 1996 to just 351 in 2024. “What is happening at Alipore Zoo? According to their own data, the number of animals and birds has halved in just one year. Were they stolen or smuggled?” Sircar asked, demanding accountability.
He also alleged that a portion of the zoo's land had been earmarked for commercial auction by the state government, suggesting that there is a calculated move to gradually dismantle the historic institution rather than improve its condition.
The matter has also reached the Calcutta High Court, where local NGO ‘Swajon’ has filed a petition highlighting that the animal count plummeted from 672 at the end of 2023-24 to 351 at the beginning of 2024-25. The petition further claims that HIDCO (Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation) auctioned a plot of land at 34A Belvedere Road in Alipore via e-tendering last month for commercial purposes.
According to Sircar, this land includes several critical zoo facilities, including an animal hospital. He alleged that it is being sold off to pave the way for a private marine park. “In whose interest is this being done? If a marine park must be built, could they not find another location?” he questioned.
Calling for transparency, the former MP urged the government to publicly disclose the current number of animals and birds at the zoo and outline the steps being taken to protect and enhance the facility.
As of now, neither the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) nor the West Bengal Zoo Authority (WBZA) has issued any public statement or clarification regarding the controversy.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
