Delhi Zoo to Sign MoU with Reliance's GZRRC for Knowledge Sharing

Delhi Zoo's Upcoming Collaboration

The National Zoological Park (NZP) in Delhi is set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) next week with Reliance's Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC). This partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing. The GZRRC also manages the Vantara Animal Rehabilitation Centre located in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Notably, NZP is the only zoo in India operated by the central government.

Focus Areas of the Agreement

According to a report by a prominent news outlet, a senior official from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) indicated that the agreement will be signed between Delhi's NZP, GZRRC, and the Gujarat government.

Key provisions of the MoU include:

- Training sessions and workshops for the staff at Delhi Zoo

- Exchange of best practices between Delhi Zoo and GZRRC

- Veterinary assistance from GZRRC, particularly for large animals

- Support for the modernization of Delhi Zoo.

Political Reactions

On Wednesday, the Congress party raised concerns regarding the proposed agreement, suggesting it might be the first step towards privatizing the zoo. Congress General Secretary and former Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh emphasized the need for transparency in such agreements.

He posted on social media, stating, "Delhi Zoo is directly under the control of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is planning to sign an agreement with Vantara for better management. Vantara is an animal rehabilitation center established by Reliance Industries Limited and the Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat."

Ramesh questioned the government's claim that this was not a transfer of management, citing a lack of trust in their previous records. He asked, "Is this the first step towards handing over the zoo to a private enterprise?" He reiterated the need for clarity on the matter, given the secretive nature of the agreement.