Vendors’ stubbornness put Hyderabad zoo animals at risk
Hyderabad: Officials of Nehru Zoological Park fear that their animals housed at the Veterinary Hospital on campus might catch diseases. The reason is loads of garbage left over by the street vendors and stalls that flank the compound wall of the hospital.
"We have tried explaining to them many times that the zoo is a sensitive area but to no avail," said G. Vasantha, curator of the zoo.
After a recent fire incident, the vendors were asked to clear the area but not even a month later, they are back along the wall.
"We have tried to demarcate the area leaving about a few metres from the wall by putting up poles and fences. However, due to the stubbornness of the vendors, we have had to extend this distance up to 25 feet," Vasantha said.
On Saturday, the local politicians created a ruckus and argued with the zoo officials supporting the vendors. "We tried seeking support from the GHMC but to no avail. Instead of asking the vendors to leave, they told us to remove our fencing," Vasantha lamented talking to Deccan Chronicle.
"With several air-borne diseases raising concerns for animals in other states, it is crucial to care for the health of the animals. Authorities should be sensitising people about the issue instead of creating a ruckus," she added.
