High Court Bars Commercial Use of Alipore Zoo Land, Suspends Government Tender

Kolkata, Sept 2025 : The Calcutta High Court on Monday delivered a significant ruling, prohibiting the use of land belonging to the historic Alipore Zoo for any commercial purpose, at least for now.

A division bench comprising Justice Sujay Paul and Justice Smita Das De clarified that the tender notice issued by the West Bengal government on July 23 will remain suspended until the next hearing of the case.

The matter originated from allegations made by Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who accused the state government of attempting to “illegally” sell nearly 50 katthas of prime land belonging to the zoo for just ₹1,000 crore. According to Adhikari, the plot lies in one of the most valuable locations in Kolkata and should be preserved for public and environmental use.

In January 2024, the BJP staged a protest march from Rabindra Sadan to the zoo against the proposed land use. Despite the opposition, the state government went ahead with issuing a tender, proposing that the adjoining plot—currently housing the aquarium, auditorium, veterinary hospital, and staff quarters—be converted for commercial activities.

This move sparked not only political controversy but also public outcry. Concerns were raised that converting zoo land into a commercial hub would compromise the ecological balance and endanger the very purpose of the institution. Eventually, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed, leading to Monday’s order.

In its ruling, the court stated unequivocally that zoo land cannot be diverted to commercial use. Furthermore, the government’s tender notice will remain suspended until further orders, ensuring no immediate step is taken to alter the land’s purpose.

A Zoo Under Scrutiny

The Alipore Zoo, one of the oldest zoological parks in India, has already been mired in controversy in recent years. Earlier this year, reports surfaced regarding the disappearance of 321 animals from the facility, sparking outrage and raising serious doubts about the administration’s efficiency and commitment to wildlife conservation.

Opposition leaders argue that the government’s emphasis has shifted toward commercial profit rather than conservation, thereby undermining both the safety of the zoo and the protection of its wildlife. They believe that any attempt to repurpose zoo land for private development would only accelerate its decline.

What Lies Ahead

Following the High Court’s intervention, the state government has been forced to pause its plans. Legal experts note that land associated with a zoological park carries special significance due to its ties with environmental protection and public interest. Any attempt to use such land for private or commercial projects requires a detailed environmental assessment and prior approval from the courts.

The upcoming hearings will likely focus on whether the government can demonstrate that the proposed commercial use of zoo land serves the larger public interest and does not compromise wildlife conservation. Until then, the fate of the controversial project remains uncertain.