Thiruvananthapuram: Peringammala grama panchayat in the capital district has proposed two sites at Ponmudi for relocating the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, submitting a representation to chief minister V D Satheesan on Oct 5 seeking the establishment of the zoological park and a college in the region.Peringammala’s proposal comes after Madavoor panchayat sought to host the zoo at Ilamprocode. With both local bodies pitching locations for the proposed relocation, the state govt is expected to examine the suitability of the sites before taking a final decision.The panchayat had passed a resolution on Sept 30 proposing the acquisition of 415 acres of revenue land belonging to Invercauld Estate at Ponmudi for the project. It has also identified another 147 acres at the Merchiston Estate in Ponmudi as a potential site. A delegation from the panchayat met the CM and submitted the representation outlining the proposals.According to Peringammala panchayat president Arun Kumar PN, these two sites are suitable for relocating the zoo as it will also boost the tourism potential of Ponmudi and surrounding areas. He also added that the chief minister responded positively to the proposal, saying the locations would be considered among the options being examined for the relocation.Located in the forest-fringed eastern part of the district, Peringammala has a substantial forest landscape.Madavoor panchayat had earlier passed a resolution proposing Ilamprocode, citing the availability of around 424 acres spread across two or three local-body areas.The relocation proposal has gained attention after Satheesan suggested shifting the zoo from its existing location in the heart of the capital to a larger site near a natural habitat, such as Neyyar or Palode, while developing the existing premises into a major public space.Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, which has a history spanning around 170 years, is a major heritage institution in the state capital. While proponents of relocation argue that a larger site could provide better facilities for animals, the choice of location will require careful assessment of land availability, connectivity, environmental impact and the infrastructure needed to operate a modern zoological park. However, the state govt is yet to announce a final location for the proposed zoo.
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