The State has allotted `3.5 crore for the development of Amirthi Zoo near here, said Minister for Forests M S M Anandan, on Thursday.
He was here to inspects the development work in forests and other tourism-related activities in the district. He said 25 tourist spots in the State would be developed under bio-diversity and greening programme.
Amirthi Zoo will get eco-huts, drinking water facilities, resting places, pathways connecting waterfalls, traditional food joints, watch towers and an information centre. Locals of Amirthi and Neepalampattu villages would be involved in development work, headded.
Anandan said the CM had allotted a sum of `3.5 Cr towards these works which would soon be under the control of Vandalur Zoo. Water facilities were being developed at the Tiger reserves at Sathyamangalam, Mudhumalai, Anamalai and Kalakadu. To prevent wild animals from entering human settlements, facilities to improve water conditions were being developed at a cost of `50 Cr with support from the NABARD, he said.