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Patna zoo wants morning walkers to pay

The Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, better known as the Patna zoo, plans to raise funds for its upkeep by charging a monthly fee from the park's morning walkers.

Currently, entry to the park is free up to 0830 IST. For the rest of the day, there is an entry charge of Rs 5.

The zoo's director Ranveer Singh said the money earned through the monthly fee would be utilised for the park's development and to upgrade its security.

Identity cards would be issued to those willing to pay the monthly fee. Family passes will also be issued for a slightly higher fee.

The proposal has been sent to the state government for approval, Singh said.

Zoo officials said the number of morning walkers in the zoo area has been increasing by the day. They estimate that about 5000 people use the lush green environs of the zoo for their daily morning walks. The number goes up to 7000-8000 on Sundays.

The surging numbers have often created law and order problems for the Park's staff.

As per the proposed plan, the pass-holders would have to vacate the park by 7.45 am.

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