With Cyclone Montha bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to Odisha, Nandankanan Biological Park in Bhubaneswar has gone on high alert. The park has launched a comprehensive safety plan to protect animals, visitors, and property. All actions are being carried out under the direction of the Park Director.
Round-the-Clock Control Room
A 24×7 control room has been set up to coordinate emergency actions. It is being led by the Assistant Conservators of Forests and supervised by the Deputy Director. The control room will handle real-time communication and quick responses during the cyclone.
Staff on Duty
All Range Officers and frontline staff are required to stay inside the park until the cyclone passes. Leave requests have been cancelled to ensure full staffing and faster coordination.
Animal Safety Measures
Extra precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of animals:
-
Carnivores and sensitive animals will stay in their night shelters during the storm.
-
Bird enclosures are being covered with nets and reinforced with wooden frames for protection from wind and debris.
Veterinary Preparedness
The zoo hospital is fully prepared. There is enough stock of animal feed, medicines, anti-stress supplements, and anti-snake venom. The veterinary team will stay on alert throughout the storm.
Infrastructure Safety
To prevent damage, the park has carried out:
-
Tree pruning to reduce the risk of falling branches.
-
Boundary wall inspections.
-
Reinforcement of weak enclosures to withstand strong winds.
Coordination with Key Departments
The park has established advance coordination with the Police, Fire Services, Electricity Department, and DISCOMs. This ensures quick help if any emergency arises.
Emergency Power Backup
All backup systems are ready. Generators, water supply, and lighting systems have been tested. Fuel has been stocked up to maintain operations during possible power cuts.
Mobile and Patrol Teams
Mobile response teams are deployed across the zoo and State Botanical Garden. They will monitor the situation and report emergencies immediately.
Mock Drills and Equipment Check
The park has conducted mock drills to test emergency readiness. All chainsaws, power saws, and communication devices have been checked and confirmed operational.
Safety Teams on Standby
Dedicated safety units will stay at key spots throughout the cyclone. They will respond instantly to protect animals and park facilities.
Post-Cyclone Measures
After the cyclone, the park will:
-
Check the health of all animals.
-
Clear fallen trees and debris.
-
Disinfect enclosures.
-
Restore water and sanitation systems.
Visitor Information
For public safety, Nandankanan Biological Park may remain closed during and after the cyclone. Updates on reopening will be shared through media and official social channels.
