HMI, Darjeeling zoo opens for visitors

Our Correspondent
DARJEELING: The Padamaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP) and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) which reopened its gates for visitors today after a period of more than seven months saw a footfall of more than 250 visitors on the very first day.
Both locals and tourists were seen enjoying themselves there while following all safety protocols and measures imposed there keeping in mind the Covid pandemic.
HMI principal Captain Jai Kishan said, “All safety protocols and precautions are being taken as the HMI reopens today. We are enforcing social distancing along with facemask being made mandatory. We have also kept sanitizers in different parts of the premises for the visitors to use.”
The HMI principal added that the institute hasinstalled contact-less foot-operated systems in washrooms and drinking water facilities.
For attractions like tree top rope course, the HMI also provided free gloves for the tourists to wear along. The equipment is being re-used only after 24 hours of sanitisation.
Speaking about the footfall at HMI, Kishan said: “In the morning hours, there were about 300 visitors today. In peak tourist season, about 5,000 to 7,000 visitors come per day but we have been given guidelines that only 2,000 visitors will be allowed. In the coming days we are expecting more people to come after they learn that HMI is open.”
The HMI which shares a single gate and ticket with the PNHZP which also had similar safety measures in place.
PNHZP director Dharam Deo Rai spoke about the new attractions for the visitors. “In about two to three months we are hoping to bring a new red panda from New Zealand for our breeding program which will be an addition here. Also due to this area being closed for so many months and there being no disturbances, the number of free living birds have increased and visitors can see them also."
A tourist from Guwahati, Sachin Khanna said, “We have come here in our first wedding anniversary and it feels good that we got to visit this place. All safety measures are being followed here.”
On the other hand, the HMI principal today also announced the 2nd year competition of the annually held Tenzin Norgay MTB challenge.
This time there will be a virtual cyclethon covering a distance of 35 km to be held on November 1 where people from different parts of the world can participate and have to send their report on the fitness app. Digitalized participation certificates will be sent to them.
On November 2, the MTB challenge will be held with an overall prize money of Rs. 1.5 lakh. The race will be from Mungpu to Tiger Hill but could be changed later on.