MUZAFFARGARH: The Punjab government has approved a zoo in Muzaffargarh and allocated Rs190 million funds for the purpose.

Wildlife district officer Naveed Tariq said around 100 acres of land had been allocated for the zoo near Tikka Hospital while the PC-1 had also been prepared.

He said the temperature and atmosphere in Muzaffargarh were conducive to keeping animals and birds in a sanctuary.

Intriguingly, there is no wildlife office, but its official had occupied a building in the district council hall for 20 years.

Mr Tariq said the zoo would have extensive plantation while a boundary wall would also be constructed around it.

He said a large number of people from across the Dera Ghazi Khan division and other places were expected to visit the zoo every day in Muzaffargarh after its completion.

District Coordination Officer Hafiz Shaukat Ali said he struggled for the establishment of the zoo in Muzaffargarh.

He said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif himself approved the zoo in Muzaffargarh while the construction work would be started from August.

He said the chief minister would lay the foundation of the zoo project.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2016