KARACHI: A large number of water birds have been forced to live in congested conditions for the past one year as renovation of their zoo pond is continuing at a snail’s pace, it emerged on Saturday.

According to sources, hundreds of water birds that include ducks, geese and pelicans have been shifted to the boating area after the administration decided to renovate their old pond, which had developed leaks.

“Initially, the birds were shifted to a smaller cage. Later, when media reports highlighted their misery the administration transferred them to the boating area. This poor management has badly affected their breeding as the boating area is a noisy place,” said a zoo staff member on condition of anonymity.

Boat operators had also complained against the presence of birds since their presence was polluting the water, he added.

The sources said that the renovation of the pond was started last year and was due to be completed this year. Presently, the contractor has further slowed down the work owing to non-payment of his dues.

“An amount of Rs12m has been allocated for this project in the annual development scheme, which also includes the construction of an aquarium and a reptile house,” an official associated with the pond work said.

Work on the aquarium, however, had completely stopped, he pointed out.

Apart from concerns related to delay in renovation of the bird pond, there are also apprehensions linked to chopping down of old trees that dotted the facility as the administration did it earlier during the renovation of the boating area.

Zoo director was not available for comments.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2016