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Key Points

The Calcutta High Court has put a stop to the West Bengal government's plans for commercial use of Alipore Zoo land. A division bench ruled the current tender cannot be acted upon until further orders. This comes after a PIL challenged the state's decision to issue a tender for the prime property. The court's intervention follows allegations by opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari about an attempted illegal sale.

Key Points: Calcutta HC Blocks West Bengal Government Alipore Zoo Land Commercial Use

  • Court halts tender for commercial use of zoo-adjacent land
  • PIL challenged West Bengal government's July tender notice
  • BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari alleged illegal land sale
  • Controversy follows reports of 321 missing zoo animals
2 min read

Kolkata Zoo land can't be used for commercial purposes: Calcutta HC

Calcutta High Court halts state government's tender to use Kolkata's Alipore Zoo land for commercial purposes, acting on a PIL challenging the decision.

"The land of the zoological garden at Alipore could not be used for commercial purposes right now - Calcutta High Court Division Bench"

Kolkata, Sep 1

A division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Monday, ruled that the land of the iconic zoological garden at Alipore in Kolkata could not be used for commercial purposes right now.

The division bench of Justice Sujay Paul and Justice Smita Das De also said that the notice of tender issued by the West Bengal government on July 23 on this count could not be acted upon till further court orders.

The allegation that the West Bengal government was illegally trying to sell the Alipore Zoo land was first raised by the Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly and senior BJP leader, Suvendu Adhikari.

He alleged that an attempt was being made to sell 50 kothas of land at that prime place in the city against a meagre amount of only Rs 1,000 crore.

In January 2024, the West Bengal BJP unit had conducted a protest march from Rabindra Sadan to the zoo on this issue.

The West Bengal government floated a tender with the intention of using a zoo-adjacent land consisting of an aquarium, auditorium, animal hospital, and a staff quarter for commercial purposes.

The state had also issued a notice to that effect.

Meanwhile, a PIL was filed at the division bench of Justice Paul and Justice Das De challenging that decision.

Acting on the PIL, the court, on Monday, ruled that the land of the zoological garden at Alipore could not be used for commercial purposes right now and also directed that the notice of tender issued by the West Bengal government earlier this year could be acted upon till further court orders.

Recently, the Alipore Zoo was also in the middle of a controversy over allegations of missing animals.

As per reports, as many as 321 animals disappeared from the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata overnight.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
First missing animals, now trying to sell zoo land? What's happening with Alipore Zoo administration? The HC intervention was much needed. Hope they conduct proper audit of animal numbers too.
A
Arjun K
While I support preserving green spaces, the government should also think about revenue generation for maintaining such facilities. Maybe a balanced approach with limited commercial activity that doesn't harm the zoo's purpose?
S
Sarah B
As someone who grew up visiting Alipore Zoo, this decision makes me so happy! These spaces hold childhood memories for millions of Kolkatans. Commercialization would have destroyed its charm completely.
V
Vikram M
The missing animals case is more concerning honestly. 321 animals disappearing overnight? That's shocking! Hope the court looks into that matter with equal seriousness. 🐘
M
Michael C
Good judicial oversight. In a city like Kolkata that's rapidly losing green cover, every patch of green matters. The zoo is not just entertainment but crucial urban biodiversity space.

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