Anticipating a manifold increase in the number of visitors to the National Zoological Park (NZP) during the India International Trade Fair (IITF), an automatic ticketing machine will be installed at the zoo entrance.Visitors can get their tickets using five-rupee coins or currency notes.
A group of five adults can deposit Rs 50 and get a ticket, at Rs 10 per person, from the machine within seconds. "They will have to show the amount ticket to the gatekeeper, who will then allow them to get in. The tickets will have a zoo logo, and also the time of booking," National Zoological Park Director, DN Singh said.
Though the installation of the machine is a pilot project, the zoo administration wants to make the automatic ticketing machine (ATM) a permanent feature.
If satisfied with the performance of the ATM, the zoo administration will install two more machines. "During the trial period, we will explore the avenues for further improvement and will install ATMs for good. The machine will be effectively tested during the IITF-2005, since we expect an increase in the number of visitors this time," Mr Singh said.
On a normal day, the zoo has approximately 4,000 visitors a day. The figure touches the 6,000 to 7,000 mark on Saturdays and Sundays. During holidays, the figure goes up to 12,000.
Since last year, there has been gradual increase in the number of zoo visitors. The officials attribute the high turn out of visitors to the zoo's varied attractions.
In 2001-02, the total collection from visitors was Rs 62.24 lakh against Rs 58.83 lakh in 2002-03. In 2003-04, the collection was Rs 99.74 lakh. In the last financial year, the figure crossed Rs 1 crore mark. "Crossing Rs 1 crore mark is a big achievement. During the current fiscal, we hope to touch the Rs 1.20 crore figure. Income from other sources is also likely to increase. The collection is likely to touch Rs 1.60 crore this year. The zoo's total annual budget allocation is around Rs 5.68 crore," the official added.
More
|
