H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, the founder director of Pilikula Biological Park, has resigned from his position after more than two decades of service, citing “personal reasons.” His resignation, which was submitted on March 3, was accepted by the Pilikula Development Authority (PDA), and he officially stepped down on March 19. The PDA has appointed a temporary in-charge director for the park.
Bhandary, a former Deputy Conservator of Forests, took over as director of the zoo in April 2004, after retiring as Regional Director of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) in Mangaluru. Under his leadership, the zoo underwent significant upgrades: it was recognized as a small zoo in 2006, a medium zoo in 2009, and finally as a large zoo by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) in 2013. Pilikula now stands as one of the 18 major zoos in India.
A key issue during Bhandary’s tenure was his opposition to the resumption of the Kambala buffalo race near the zoo. He expressed concerns that the high noise levels from the event would disrupt the safety and well-being of the zoo’s animals. His requests to declare the area around the zoo as a “silent zone” were supported by the CZA, and the event was eventually canceled.
Additionally, Bhandary had long advocated for the zoo to be transferred from the PDA to the Karnataka Forest Department, citing management challenges under the PDA. He argued that the zoo lacked sufficient funding and expertise to operate effectively. Despite his recommendations, the PDA resisted the move.
The zoo’s financial difficulties are compounded by the lack of an annual government grant, making it reliant on gate collections, donations, and animal adoption schemes for survival.
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