Kolkata: Visitors on a day out at Alipore Zoological Gardens will no longer have to worry about a full-fledged lunch, thanks to West Bengal Forest Development Corporation (WBFDC) which is rejuvenating its heritage café inside the premises of the zoo.
The renovation has been done keeping intact the main structure of the café.
Food from outside is allowed inside the zoo, however, it was not always possible for people, particularly those coming from far-off places.
There are some food stalls in the extreme left-hand corner of the zoo but they would sell only light food like burgers, cakes, chips, momos etc.
The heritage café is being operated by a well-known food chain known for its restaurant at the premises of New Empire cinema hall in Esplanade. It is selling Indian, Chinese and Continental food.
WBFDC has also assembled a counter inside the zoo premises that would sell saplings so that visitors can purchase a variety of them. This is the first time a plant sales counter has been established at the zoo grounds. The plant counter set up in the zoo is a part of the initiatives taken by the Green Projects Wing of WBFDC.
Both these facilities were inaugurated on Friday in the presence of Tapan Dasgupta, chairman of WBFDC, and vice-chairman Maria Fernandez among others.
“WBFDC is looking forward to putting up more such restaurants within the premises hereafter,” a senior official of WBFDC said.
WBFDC has ideated a nature-study programme for the benefit of conservationists at Central Park popularly known as Banabitan in Salt Lake. The nature-study programme is intended for both students from different schools and those who want to learn more about biodiversity conservation. People of all ages may take advantage of the opportunity for nature education, picnics, day trips, small excursions, and nature trails in this lovely park.