From neonatal care unit to souvenir shop, facilities launched at Nandanvan Safari

Raipur: A neonatal care unit, administrative building, souvenir shop, and other facilities were launched at Nandanvan Jungle Safari, Atal Nagar Nava Raipur on Tuesday, to enhance wildlife conservation and visitor experience.The neonatal care unit was launched to provide specialised care and treatment for wild animals, particularly newborn cubs. The facility is equipped with modern medical amenities and is expected to play a crucial role in wildlife health and conservation. "The unit comprises four sections: large herbivores, small herbivores, small carnivores, and large carnivores," informed Jungle Safari Director Ganveer Dhammshil.A well-equipped administrative building was inaugurated to improve the management and administrative control of Nandanvan Zoo and Safari. A new souvenir shop offering products related to Chhattisgarh's tribal culture and wildlife, made from eco-friendly materials was opened within the Jungle Safari premises to promote environmental conservation. Various organisations and self-help groups from Chhattisgarh have collaborated to stock the souvenir shop with diverse products.Nandanvan Zoo and Safari, in collaboration with the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Raipur, launched a canteen on the safari premises to foster entrepreneurship among students and provide them with practical work experience. A state elephant monitoring cell was inaugurated to improve the monitoring and management of elephants in Chhattisgarh and to aid in human-wildlife conflict management.Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, who inaugurated the aforementioned facilities, also flagged off an electric vehicle service to provide better services to visitors at the Jungle Safari. This initiative aims to promote environmental conservation and offer a more convenient and comfortable experience for tourists.Nandanvan Zoo and Safari management, in collaboration with the School of Photography department of AAFT University, released a coffee table book showcasing the diversity, biodiversity, and conservation efforts of the Jungle Safari. The book aims to familiarise readers with the beauty of the Jungle Safari, its wildlife diversity, and the importance of conservation, while also promoting love for nature.Minister Kashyap launched the poster for a summer camp to be held at the Jungle Safari, aimed at raising awareness among children and students about nature, heritage, and conservation. The camp, starting on April 20, will focus on connecting participants with nature, environmental education, and the importance of conservation.Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agrawal instructed the forest department officials to further green the Jungle Safari premises and expand attractive and useful facilities for tourists, aiming to enrich the tourist experience while promoting environmental conservation. He encouraged the department to adopt more innovations in the future.