– Leopard pair and Laser Show major attractions
The Indira Gandhi Park (IG Park) of SAIL, Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP), has become a favorite destination for winter visitors, offering a delightful blend of nature and wildlife. A large number of school children are also flocking to the park and its zoo, eager to learn about biodiversity and the significance of environmental conservation. On 25th January, 2025, more than 200 school children from St. Benedict English Medium School, Kinjirkela and Carmel School, Balijodi visited the park , making the park chirpy and cheerful.
It is noteworthy that a record 14651 people including large number of women and children visited IG Park on 1st January, 2025. The park had witnessed a footfall of around 11800 on 1st January in the previous year. The increase in number of visitors is credited to the latest additions of the Leopard pair and the attraction of two new Nilgai calves and two majestic bears besides diverse animals/birds in the park. The total revenue collected on 1st January, 2025 was around Rs. 7,32,540/-. The Town Engineering-Horticulture Department of RSP that takes care of the park has been making every effort to create awareness on the importance of bio-diversity besides educating the children on the importance of wildlife protection and environment. The biological information of the different resident species of animal/bird and their significance have been displayed in each housing of the inmates.
It is noteworthy that Indira Gandhi Park Zoo, the second-largest Zoological Park in Odisha, is home to a diverse range of 251 animals and birds, including the recent addition of two leopards, two bears and two new born Nilgai calves. Known for its successful breeding programs, the zoo actively participates in animal exchanges to enrich its biodiversity and provide new attractions for visitors. Adding to the festive spirit, the Ispat Nehru Park also witnessed a footfall of more than 3600 on the new year day to make it more vibrant and lively.
