GUWAHATI: Construction work is underway at the Assam State Zoo Cum Botanical Garden in Guwahati as part of a major modernisation project aimed at upgrading the zoo into a world-class facility.
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The project is being implemented in two phases under separate state and central components. According to officials associated with the construction work, the centrally funded component has been allocated ₹97 crore. The project is expected to cost around ₹362 crore in total.
The modernisation work began in March 2025, and an official from the agency executing the project stated that the central component is expected to be completed by November 2026.
As part of the redevelopment, several new facilities are being planned, including a modern museum, multilevel parking infrastructure, large aviary cages, shaded walkways, recreational zones and upgraded animal enclosures.
The project also includes features such as underwater animal viewing areas, QR-coded information boards, a modern veterinary hospital, rescue and quarantine centres, orchid gardens, natural water reservoirs and a 300-seat auditorium.
According to details released by the Environment and Forest Department, the upgraded zoo aims to improve animal welfare, enhance visitor experience and increase tourist footfall at the largest zoo-cum-botanical garden in the Northeast.
The redevelopment project was announced by the Assam government as part of efforts to transform the zoo into a modern wildlife and conservation destination.