ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed Safari Park in Islamabad, which will cost approximately Rs10 billion.

The Development Working Party, which met at CDA headquarters on Tuesday approved the PC-II for the `hiring of consultancy firm for feasibility study and detailed engineering design of development of Safari Park` to be funded throughCDA`s self-finance.

The PC-II (feasibility study) will cost Rs173.4 million and a six-month timeframe has been set for its completion.

A CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiani confirmed that the PC-II for the Safari Park has been approved by the DWP. The spokesperson said the consultant would suggest a suitable location for this park based on market analysis, technical feasibility, and financial feasibility.

Recently, the National Assembly was informed that the estimated cost of the proposed park in Islamabad would be Rs10 billion. Sources said it was earlier decided that this park would be established in Fatima Jinnah Park, but now the civic agency was exploring other sites as well.

Recently, in response to a question asked by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb in the National Assembly during the questionhour session, the interior minister in his written reply said: `It is a fact that [the]CDA is going to construct the Safari Park in Islamabad; however, the construction has not started yet. The estimated cost of the project is Rs10.00 billion approximately. The expected completion time is 18 months approximately,` read the reply.

It is relevant to note here Islamabad already has a zoo namely Marghazar Zoo, which was closed down on the direction of the Islamabad High Court due to mismanagement and its operations, including its land and infrastructure, were handed over to the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB).

The CDA last year stated that the Islamabad High Court in its 2020 decision, had not directed that the zoo be closed forever, but ordered that an animal shelter/ zoo infrastructure be built as per international zoological and animal husbandry standards.

Last year, the environment wing of the CDA also prepared a summary saying thatthe zoo had previously played a `critical role`in the conservation, preservation and protection of different animal and bird species in the Margalla Hills National Park.

`It actively participated in the breeding and release of various birds and animals and contributed to the maintenance of the city`s ecological balance. However, since its closure, there has been a noticeable decline in the fauna of the hills. The zoo`s absence has disrupted the natural habitat and ecosystem of certain species, further emphasising the importance of reinstating its operations. Not only will this help restore the biodiversity in the area, but also demonstrate the commitment of Islamabad to preserve its natural heritage,` claimed the summary.

However, the CDA has now given up the idea of getting back control of the zoo, sources said, adding that it was planning to set up the park instead.