Kakatiya Zoo reels under pollution crisis
Telangana : Kakatiya Zoological Park in Hanumakonda is facing a growing pollution crisis as sewage from surrounding residential colonies continues to flow into the zoo. A drainage project launched to address the problem remains incomplete after the contractor reportedly abandoned the work midway, leaving sewage to stagnate inside the park.
The stagnant wastewater has created a persistent foul smell and polluted the zoo’s surroundings. Officials and local sources say the deteriorating environment is affecting the health of several animals. A white tiger has already died, while two other tigers, Karina and Shankar, have been shifted to the Hyderabad zoo after falling ill.
Sewage from nearly 25 colonies enters the zoo
The zoo, spread across about 48 acres on Hunter Road, was established in 1985. As the area is relatively low-lying, sewage from Advocate Colony (Phases 1 to 5), Kalasamudram, Vaddera Colony, areas around Warangal Public School, Raj Hotel, Vishnupriya Garden, Deendayal Colony and several other neighbourhoods flows into the zoo through drainage channels.
In all, sewage from nearly 25 colonies passes through the zoo before moving towards the Padmakshi Gutta area. The foul smell has become a major inconvenience for visitors, many of whom are forced to cover their noses while walking through the park.
₹1 crore drainage project stalls midway
Forest Minister Konda Surekha and local MLA Nayini Rajender Reddy have focused on improving the zoo. Development works worth around ₹2–3 crore were taken up, including a drainage project estimated at about ₹1 crore to permanently address the sewage problem.
However, the contractor allegedly stopped work before completing the drainage network. As a result, sewage continues to accumulate inside the zoo. Officials fear the park could be inundated during heavy rains if the issue remains unresolved.
Pollution threatens animal health
The stagnant sewage has polluted the air, water, soil and grass inside the zoo. Grass grown within the premises is used as fodder for several herbivorous animals. Officials believe contamination of the grass, coupled with the unhygienic conditions, has contributed to health problems among captive animals.
Apart from the death of a white tiger and the transfer of two sick tigers to Hyderabad, deer, mountain sheep and several birds are also reported to have fallen ill, with some deaths being reported.
Municipality accused of irregular waste clearance
With the zoo spread over 46 acres, large quantities of leaves and tree branches accumulate every day. Following requests from zoo officials and public representatives, the municipal authorities were assigned the responsibility of removing solid waste and cleaning the drainage system.
Zoo officials, however, say municipal staff, who initially extended support, have recently reduced their visits. Waste is now removed only occasionally, allowing garbage to pile up inside the premises.
Official response
Zoo Assistant Curator B. Mayuri acknowledged the problem. “Environmental pollution inside the park is a genuine issue. The drainage construction stopped midway for various reasons, causing sewage to stagnate inside the zoo. Desilting is also a challenge. We will bring the matter to the notice of higher authorities and work towards resolving it,” she said.
