Archive · 29 Sep 2026
High Court Defers PIL on Alleged Alipore Zoo Lapses
A court is looking into claims that Alipore zoo may have problems with its administration.
The case says the zoo’s animal records did not match between two financial years.
The claimed difference was more than 300 animals.
The petition specifically mentioned several endangered species.
It also challenged a plan to sell land used by the zoo.
The land includes an animal quarantine centre, hospital and aquarium facilities.
The Central Zoo Authority investigated and sent a report to the court.
The judges will hear the case after the Durga Puja vacation.
The high court will hear a PIL on alleged administrative lapses at Alipore zoo after the Durga Puja vacation.
The petition alleges a discrepancy of more than 300 animals between two annual inventory periods.
The alleged mismatch involves endangered species including Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, elephants and Indian rhinoceroses.
The court had sought a state government report, which has not yet been submitted.
On September 1, 2025, the court stayed Hidco’s proposed sale of 166.5 cottahs on Belvedere Road.
- Who
- The petitioner, the West Bengal government, Alipore zoo, the Central Zoo Authority and the high court are involved.
- What
- A PIL alleges administrative lapses, discrepancies in animal inventories and an attempted sale of zoo land.
- When
- The case will be heard after the Durga Puja vacation; the land-sale bid was stayed on September 1, 2025.
- Where
- The matter concerns Alipore zoo and a 166.5-cottah plot on Belvedere Road.
- Why
- The PIL was filed over alleged inventory discrepancies, administrative failures and concerns about commercial use of zoo land.
- Next hearing
- After the Durga Puja vacation
- Alleged inventory discrepancy
- More than 300 animals between fiscal 2023-24 and fiscal 2024-25 records
- Species mentioned
- Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, elephants and Indian rhinoceroses
- Land involved
- A 166.5-cottah plot on Belvedere Road
- Land facilities
- An animal quarantine centre, hospital and aquarium facilities
- Earlier court action
- The high court stayed Hidco’s land-sale bid on September 1, 2025
- Investigation
- A Central Zoo Authority team visited the zoo and submitted a report to the court