ISLAMABAD, March 13: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf inaugurated Pakistans biggest walk-in Bird Aviary at Lakeview Park on Wednesday.

As many as 1,500 birds have been released in the Aviary which has 80 feet height and has been spread over 3.8 acres of land.

The Prime Minister was informed that it had been completed at a cost of Rs74 million and birds of 65 varieties had been kept in the aviary.

An official of CDA while talking to Dawn said that the Aviary project was started in 2008 but because of financial problems and alleged negligence by the then management it could not be completed in time.

Even transformer to provide electricity in the Aviary located on the left side of the entrance of the park could not be installed.

“While giving the briefing of the project to Prime Minister in 2012, he (PM) instructed to complete the project immediately due to which assignment was given to member environment of CDA to complete the project before expiry of tenure of the government and it has been completed,” he said.

Member Environment CDA Dr Kazim Niaz said that Aviary was a close place in which natural environment was given to birds.

“There is walk in way in the Aviary and precious and rare species of parrots, peacocks, water fowls, pheasants and other birds have been kept in it.

“People will be allowed to buy birds from Aviary because that is how we can create awareness and interest for the birds in residents. For that purpose special birds nursery will be established in it,” he said.

“There are six main categories of birds in the Aviary and ponds are also made for water fowls. Besides, a dispensary for the birds and a tuck-shop will be established in the Aviary,” he said.

“A hanging bridge has been constructed in the middle of the Aviary and watching towers are also fixed so that people would watch birds easily,” Dr Kazim said.