ISLAMABAD, Jan 31: Interior Minister Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat on Thursday announced a sum of Rs0.5 million for upgradation and renovation of Islamabad Zoo, it was officially announced.

Presiding over a meeting attended by CDA officials and private sector representatives, the minister also approved formation of an independent wildlife management board, whose decisions would be binding on the CDA and the Islamabad capital territory administration.

The board, consisting of approximately twelve members including four from the public sector, would have the dual responsibility of maintaining the zoo as well as taking steps for the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat in the capital.

The formal meeting of the board will be convened after Eidul Azha holidays.

The minister assured the meeting that efforts would be made to acquire more funds for the purpose from the public exchequer. He also stressed the need for private sector's participation in providing finances and animals for improving the standard of the zoo. The minister directed the CDA officials to ensure the presence of a full-time veterinary doctor in the zoo.

Meanwhile, the CDA in response to recommendations of its directorate of health services has amended the municipal laws 1969 by including barbers, beauticians and hairstylists as licensable trade, who are deemed to be responsible for transmission of infectious diseases like hepatitis B & C and AIDS through the use of sharp instruments.

The directorate conducted a survey of markets to collect a baseline data about the traders.

The survey showed that there were 276 regular barber shops and about 60-70 temporary shops attached to 82 Chappar hotels in various sectors.