The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has fixed a Rs 50 rental charge for binoculars under a proposed bird-watching and education programme at Kankaria Zoo, even as the separate Rs 30 visitor registration fee is still awaiting approval.
The decision was taken at the Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Committee meeting held on Friday, October 9. The programme, being prepared under the ‘Vision Over Kankaria’ initiative, is intended to help visitors identify birds, observe nests and chicks, and understand wildlife conservation.
The proposed registration charge would apply to each participant who registers at the venue. However, the fee has not yet been approved and is expected to be placed before the committee at its next meeting. The programme will proceed only after the required approvals and final arrangements are completed.
Binocular use will not be compulsory. Visitors or groups choosing to use the equipment will be able to rent it for Rs 50 per binocular, while those who do not want the equipment will not be required to pay the rental charge.
According to the report, the programme is expected to focus particularly on school and college students. Zoo officials and guides would assist participants with identifying birds and explaining conservation issues. The activity is planned as a more organised version of bird-watching sessions that have already been conducted two or three times a week with bird-watcher groups.
Kankaria Zoo receives more than 3 million visitors annually, including a substantial number of students, according to the report. The civic body plans to spend approximately Rs 1 lakh on binoculars and other equipment for the programme.
The final registration fee, implementation process and operating arrangements remain subject to committee approval. The next committee meeting is expected to take up the proposed Rs 30 registration charge.
