File No.23-8/96-CZA(375)(Vol-I)(E) 48 I/3222/2020

Computer No. 146717

Government of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY B-1 Wing, 6th Floor, Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110 003, Telephone: +91-11-24367846/51/52, E-mail: [email protected]

Dated 23/12/2020

Through Registered Post / E-mail

ORDER [UNDER SECTION 38-H(6) OF THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972]

Subject: Cancellation of recognition of the G.V.K. Deer Park, , , - regarding

Whereas, recognition of the GVK Deer Park, Jegurupadu was cancelled by the CZA vide Order dated 20th August, 2018 for the reasons recorded therein. The Appellate Authority vide Order dated 18th July, 2019 disposed the appeal filed by the GVK Deer Park, Jegurupadu, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The Appellate Authority set aside the Central Zoo Authority’s Order and directed to reconsider application filed by the G.V.K. Deer Park for renewal of recognition for period beyond 23rd August, 2017 and to verify progress made by the Zoo Operator within one month.

2. And whereas, management of the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu vide letter dated 15th July, 2019 informed this Office that the land on which the zoo exists is presently transferred by the Zoo Operator to the DISCOMS and that the Zoo Operator decided to close operation of the Zoo. Opportunity of hearing was provided to the Zoo Operator of the GVK Deer Park, Jegurupadu, on 26th August, 2019 as per provisions of Section 38-H(6) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. However, hearing could not take place as the Member Secretary, CZA was on tour. Shri Hemant Kumar Sharma representing the GVK Deer Park, Jegurupadu, vide his letter dated 26th August, 2019, informed that the land on which is zoo is operating presently is purchased by the APGENCO and requested this office to provide another opportunity of hearing.

3. And whereas, this office vide notice dated 5th September, 2019, provided another opportunity of hearing to the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu. Regarding the request made by the GVK Deer Park, Jegurupadu for transfer of captive animals to other zoos, this office advised to submit proposal in the prescribed form for transfer of captive animals to a recognised zoo, in accordance with “Guidelines for exchange or transfer of animals between zoos”, for consideration of the Central Zoo Authority. Also, advised the zoo to confirm species reported as Green Peafowl (Pavo muticus).

Page 1 of 3

File No.23-8/96-CZA(375)(Vol-I)(E) 49 I/3222/2020

4. And whereas, proceedings of the hearing held on 9th September, 2019 were placed before the Technical Committee in its Technical Committee in its 92nd Meeting held on 18th October, 2019. The Technical Committee, after detailed deliberation, recommended to the CZA, to cancel recognition of the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu. Also, recommended that all captive animals housed in the said zoo be transferred either to a recognised zoo or their natural habitat, in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Andhra Pradesh.

5. And whereas, the Central Zoo Authority in its 36th Meeting held on 17th December, 2019, in view of grounds cited above, given sufficient opportunity to the applicant and in exercise of powers conferred under sub-section (6) of Section 38-H under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, decided to cancel recognition of the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu. However, Order to this effect was not issued at that point of time. In pursuance to decision taken by the Central Zoo Authority, recognition of the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu is cancelled.

6. Appropriate transfer and rehabilitation of animals housed in the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu following the prescribed protocol should be ensured by the Zoo Operator in consultation with the Chief Wildlife Warden and the zoo should be physically closed. Compliance to this effect shall be forwarded to this office through the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.

7. Appeal against this Order, if any, may be made before the Central Government under sub- section (7) of Section 38-H under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, within thirty days of issue of this order.

This issues with approval of the competent authority.

sd/- (Sonali Ghosh) Dy Inspector General Of Forest To

The Chairman and Managing Director, G.V.K. Industries Limited, Paigah House, 156-159, S.P. Road, Secunderabad – 500 003, Telangana, (C/o Email - [email protected] )

[Zoo Operator of the G.V.K. Deer Park, Jegurupadu under Sub-rule (m)(II), Rule 2 of the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 2009]

Copy forwarded for information / necessary action to:

1. The Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Environment, Forest, Science and Technology, Aranya Bhawan, K.M. Munshi Road, Nagarampalem, Guntur – 522 004, Andhra Pradesh, E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected]

2. The Member Secretary, Zoo Authority of Andhra Pradesh, Aranya Bhawan, K.M. Munshi Road, Nagarampalem, Guntur – 522 004, Andhra Pradesh Page 2 of 3 File No.23-8/96-CZA(375)(Vol-I)(E) 50 I/3222/2020

3. The Director (Project Development), G.V.K. Industries Limited and Officer in-charge, G.V.K. Deer Park, G.V.K. Power Plant, Jegurupadu – 533 126, Mandal, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, E-mail: [email protected] sd/- (Sonali Ghosh) Dy Inspector General Of Forest

Page 3 of 3