Not a great treat at Indore Zoo food zone

INDORE: Use of plastics and high-priced food items at the recently-started food zone 'Ridhi-Sidhi' have not gone down well with the visitors at Kamla Nehru Zoological Park. Eatables, wrapped up in plastics and plastic-made items including bowls and plates, were seen scattered near Gate No 4 and near to the enclosures of big cats on Sunday.
"The rates for the eatables are over-rated here.At least for children, there should be nominal rates for the food items. Besides, plastic items should not be used on the zoo premises. Littering may create nuisance and affect the health of animals if the plastic items are consumed by them by any chance," said a fourth year student of Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Sherrylene Mennas.
Cafetaria, in-charge, Shashikant Agrawal, said, "Ten dustbins are placed within the food zone and two people are allotted to keep a strict tab over the visitors. Initially the rates were high for Bombay bhel and other Indian snacks, but after receiving complaints from visitors, the rates were reduced."
"The park receives a huge number of visitors on weekends, especially on Sundays. It is difficult to control every visitor's behaviour due to the rush," said zoo in-charge Dr Uttam Yadav.
While secretary, Centre for Environment Protection Research and Development (CEPRD), Narendra Surana, said, "Plastic is a non-biodegradable substance. Government has totally prohibited the use of plastic and items made from it. Use of it should be banned inside the zoo premises. Disposal of waste should be done properly as animals get attracted towards the eatables."
"Plastic, if consumed by animals, will affect their health significantly. Proper use of dustbins should be made by the visitors to avoid any untoward incident," said animal activist Dr Sudhir Khetawat.