Maharashtra government has approved the creation of the Maharashtra State Zoo Authority under the Department of Revenue and Forests. The decision, formalised through a government resolution issued on Tuesday, marks a step towards centralised and scientific administration of zoological parks in the state.
The new authority will function under the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning, Project and Development), based in Nagpur, and will be responsible for policy oversight, coordination, and monitoring of all registered zoos in Maharashtra. According to government officials, the authority aims to bring uniformity in management standards, ensure animal welfare, and promote conservation-led education in alignment with national and international guidelines. The state government has sanctioned an initial expenditure of ₹53.67 lakh for the formation of the authority under the scheme ‘Establishment of Maharashtra State Zoo Authority’, from a total outlay of ₹2.05 crore earmarked for the financial year 2025–26. Officials said the fund allocation reflects the state’s intent to institutionalise professional and transparent governance across zoological facilities.
Experts say the formation of a dedicated zoo authority will help Maharashtra improve coordination between local administrations, conservation experts, and the Central Zoo Authority of India (CZA). “Zoos today are not just recreational spaces; they are conservation and education hubs. A specialised state-level authority will bring much-needed scientific management and resource efficiency,” said an environmental policy researcher. The initiative is expected to benefit both urban and regional zoos, including those in Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, and Kolhapur, by standardising practices around animal care, breeding, habitat enrichment, and visitor engagement. It will also strengthen compliance mechanisms to ensure that zoo operations meet prescribed welfare and safety standards.
Beyond animal welfare, officials emphasise that the new authority will play a crucial role in public education about biodiversity and ecological balance. “Zoos can serve as important spaces for citizens, especially students, to understand the state’s natural heritage,” said a senior forest official. The move aligns with Maharashtra’s broader environmental and conservation agenda, which includes restoring natural habitats, expanding protected areas, and integrating digital management tools into forest and wildlife governance.
By institutionalising oversight through a dedicated body, Maharashtra positions itself among the few Indian states that have taken proactive steps to modernise and regulate their zoological frameworks. If implemented effectively, the Maharashtra State Zoo Authority could become a model for other states seeking to balance conservation with sustainable urban development.
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