Zirakpur: In the wake of growing active cases of the corona, the district administration has ordered the closure of Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, popularly known as Chhatbir Zoo. The zoo is spread over 505 acres and is home to around 1,500 animals and birds.

The zoo field director, M Sudhagar said “The zoo receives high footfall on Sundays, making it difficult for the zoo staff to ensure that the public observes Covid-related protocols. Therefore, keeping in view the health of visitors, employees and animals, the zoo will be closed on Sundays." Last year, after the pandemic, the zoo was closed on March 16. After things started getting into control government reopened only in December, causing losses to mount to nearly ₹4 crores. Even after the zoo was reopened, the number of daily visitors was capped at 2,700.

Furthermore, to ensure social distancing in the zoo, the authorities started online booking and staggered entry through shifts. Talking about the current condition over the rising demand of treatment due to the surge in cases, the government has further bolstered the existing facilities by more beds for treating patients. Even as the majority of beds at levels II and III facilities remain unutilized, the government has added more beds.

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