CHHATBIR ZOO TO REOPEN FROM TUESDAY WITH LIMITED NUMBER OF DAILY VISITORS -

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18 2021 : The Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation Punjab has announces reopening of Chhatbir Zoo and four small zoos at Ludhiana , Bathinda , Patiala and Neelon from July 20, 2021 with strict adherence of COVID appropriate behaviour.

The decision to this effect was taken under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and able guidance of Minister of Forests Sadhu Singh Dharamsot.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson said that the Chhatbir Zoo would be opened for public six days a week (Monday closed). Entry for visitors will be allowed from 09:30 AM to 4:30 PM (instead of 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM) to ensure optimal carrying capacity, staggered entry and social distancing following number of visitors will be allowed in three slots. Only a limited number of timed tickets will be available in different slots till the normalcy returns in the Zoo, said the Spokesperson adding that the Entry tickets will be valid only for two hours after the entry.

The tickets for Zoo entry and other facilities can be booked through online booking, the link for which has been provided in the Zoo website (chhatbirzoo.gov.in). Apart from this, QR code system and PoS machines facilities will also be available in Zoo booking counter for those visitors who are unable to do online booking. Free Wi-Fi hotspot facility is available in the entry area of Chhatbir Zoo for hassle free online booking of entry tickets, he added.

The Spokesperson also stated that the tickets for Battery Operated Trolleys (BOTs) will be available at the site. It will be allowed only for the group visitors/family members, who may reserve a full BOT vehicle at the prescribed rate with strict social distance norms and safety measures. To ensure the safety of visitors, some facilities such as Wildlife Safari (lion safari and deer safari), Reptile House and Nocturnal house of Zoo will be closed for visitors till the normalcy returns in the Chhatbir Zoo.

In order to contain the spread of contamination and to maintain self-hygiene, medicated foot mat, Touch-free sensor based Hand wash facilities have been provided in zoo entry and other strategic points like toilets, drinking water points, rain shelters, leisure points etc. Single use plastic items will not be allowed inside zoo. Only water bottles and medicine containers may be allowed after screening, said the Spokesperson.

Pertinently, the zoo will be opened at 9:30 am with maximum entry of 1800 visitors between 9:30 am and 11:30 am followed by sanitisation break from 11:30 to 12:00 noon. Maximum 1800 visitors can enter between 12:00 noon and 2 pm with another sanitisation break from 2 pm to 2:30 pm. The another lot of maximum visitors can enter in the zoo from 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm the zoo entry will be closed.

DO’s and Don’t’s for Zoo Visitors:

Visitors are requested to avoid visiting Zoo if they have cough, cold and fever symptoms.

Adults above 65 years and children below 5 years of age are requested not to visit the zoo.

All visitors shall compulsorily wear facemasks while entering the zoo premises.

All visitors shall compulsorily pass over the medicated foot-mat at the entrance of the Zoo.

Visitor shall undergo body temperature scanning while entering zoo premises.

All visitors shall strictly maintain social distance while in zoo and while using visitor facilities (washrooms, drinking water points, canteen, battery operated vehicles, etc).

There shall be minimal interaction with zoo staff and even if it is required ensure social distance of minimum (do gaj ki doori hai jaroori).

Avoid touching barricades and other surfaces in zoo so as to minimize chances of COVID-19 spread and contamination.

Movement should be along designated visitor paths only and avoid diversions or shortcuts.

Visitors shall avoid spitting in open areas of zoo and shall not chew pan-masala, gutka, khaini and spit in zoo premises.

The Cloak Room/ Luggage/ Locker Room facility is being withdrawn temporarily due to COVID-19 Pandemic; the visitors are strictly advised not to carry any luggage or any such articles requiring the above-said facility.

All visitors shall be under the CCTV Camera monitoring and the violators of any of the above guidelines shall be imposed penalty up to Rs.500/per violation per head