Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H. V. Darshan has clarified that the Pilikula Development Authority is keen on handing over the operation and maintenance of Pilikula Biological Park to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK), while firmly denying claims of poor animal care at the zoo.
No adverse HC remarks on Pilikula zoo
Addressing reporters at the Mangaluru Press Club on Thursday, Darshan dismissed reports suggesting adverse observations by the Karnataka High Court on the management of animals at Pilikula. He stated that the park is among the best-managed zoos in Karnataka and continues to follow prescribed standards.
He explained that ZAK has suggested certain infrastructure-related modifications, and discussions are ongoing to finalise the modalities of management. “I will be holding a detailed discussion with ZAK within a week,” he said.
PIL pending, park remains open
In a separate press note issued on Friday, Pilikula Development Authority Commissioner N Arun Kumar Shetty clarified that a public interest litigation related to the operation and maintenance of the park is pending before the High Court. However, he stressed that the court has not issued any directions against the Authority so far.
Shetty added that social media reports circulating on the issue were misleading and far from the truth. “The Pilikula Biological Park remains open to the public and continues to function normally,” he stated.
Updates on key infrastructure projects
During the interaction, Darshan also shared updates on major development works in Mangaluru. He said that 650 metres of the 1.8 km promenade between the Netravathi Railway Bridge and Bolar Sea Face has been completed by Mangaluru Smart City Limited, with the remaining stretch expected to be ready by May.
Gurupura bridge and traffic plans
The Deputy Commissioner said the bridge across the Phalguni (Gurupura) river between Sulthan Bathery and Tannirbhavi is scheduled for completion before the onset of the monsoon. He added that efforts are underway to ease traffic congestion at Nantoor and KPT junctions, with NHAI expected to present its proposals to the district administration by the end of March.