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In Islamabad, the Federal Government has promised to open Pakistan"s first virtual zoo. It has committed cash for the project under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The Virtual Zoo would be created on the grounds of the Marghazar Zoo, with a budget of Rs. 100 million set aside in the first phase. The project"s entire cost is Rs. 500 million, and it includes the creation of a virtual zoo as well as various Margalla Hills National Park activities.
The PC-1 was created for this project by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in partnership with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB). According to PC-1, two-thirds of the former Marghazar Zoo"s site will be repurposed as an entertainment centre, with documentaries, animal animatronic models, a visual gallery, instructive 3D shows, elevated movies, and virtual shows available to the public.
In an interview, Director IWMB Dr. Tariq remarked, "We cannot put animals on show, but there will be a digital display centre where youngsters will be able to learn about animals."
A virtual zoo, as well as a rescue and rehabilitation facility, would be developed, he said. Two-thirds of the area will be utilised to build a virtual zoo, while the remaining one-third will be used to build a rescue and rehabilitation facility. Veterinarians will work at the rescue centre, treating rescued animals from all throughout Pakistan.
According to Dr. Tariq, considerable attempts have also been conducted in Margalla Hills National Park to eradicate encroachments. Margalla Hills National Park"s boundaries will be delineated as part of the same project. It will be much easier to control encroachments if the boundary of Margalla Hills National Park are established.
Measures to protect the forest from fire have been planned, he said, with the creation of the Virtual Zoo and the delineation of Margalla Hills National Park. The IWMB and CDA will receive updated fire extinguisher as part of the same initiative.