State Zoo Authority (SZA) president L R Mahadeva Swamy has said that the authority is thinking of conducting a rapid antigen test on Zoo visitors in Karnataka. As of now, The Gadag, Hampi and Belagavi Zoos were open to visitors except for the Mysuru Zoo.
Mahadeva Swamy explained that zoo workers undergo Covid tests frequently and take other precautions like sanitizing their hands wearing masks before entering animal enclosures.
From June 24, the World famous Hampi is open to visit for the public. The prayers and rituals shall continue as always inside the Virupaksheshwara temple. But the restrictions for the visitors has prevailed.
SZA (State Zoo Authority) has received Rs 2.92 crore donations from people for adopting animals, following an appeal by cine star Darshan. SZA has received Rs 1.94 crore through apps and Rs 97.99 lakh through direct payments. “The donors will get certificates from Darshan”, said Mahadeva Swamy.
SZA earned Rs 58.84 lakh income during 2018-19, Rs 66.49 lakhs during the year 2019-20 and just Rs 24.25 lakh in the year 2020-21.
“All the monuments in Hampi shall remain open from Thursday, including Kamalapura Museum. The public can book their tickets online or at the other 4 cash counters. The Virupaksheshwara temple comes under the Hindu Religious Endowment department and the restrictions shall remain to exist as usual”, said P Kalimuthu, Deputy Superintendant of Hampi’s Archaeological Survey.
