8 CCTV cameras to be set up in Byculla Zoo kitchen

Mumbai: The kitchen complex of the Veer Jijamata Bhosale Udyan (Byculla zoo) will get eight CCTV cameras this month for surveillance of food storage and preparation. The decision was taken after the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) iss-ued directives earlier this year to install CCTV cameras for the effective monitoring, storage, preparation and distribution of food prepared for animals.

“The CCTV cameras in the kitchen complex will help keep tabs on the quality and quantity of food provided to animals daily. The cameras will be installed in the storage and processing area. The work will be completed this month itself,” said Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director, Byculla Zoo.

Around 290 CCTV cameras were installed last year after phase 1 of the zoo was inaugurated. More CCTV cameras will be installed after the 17 animal enclosures are completed. Presently, only three enclosures are open for public viewing.

“The surveillance has helped us maintain the zoo, catch a couple of thefts and curb acts like plucking leaves and flowers etc. The CCTV cameras in the kitchen complex will help monitor the quality of animal feed,” said Dr Tripathi.

The CZA had issued directives to install CCTV cameras after surprise checks revealed that the quantity and quality of food provided to animals was not up to the mark.