Speaking on the occasion Ms. Kartha encouraged the spouses to support the retiring employees in navigating the changes of post-retirement life and have a smooth and positive transition.

A session on “Mindset for smooth Transition to a new phase of life after Retirement” was conducted by Mr. Babula Nahak, AGM (CP-2) while Mr. K K Verma, DGM (F&A) deliberated on various aspects of Financial Security Planning.  Mr. T B Toppo, DGM (Horticulture) shared tips on Post Retirement Engagement while Dr. S Kumar, Additional CMO (OHSC) spoke about ‘Ensuring good health, well-being and holistic approach for a meaningful Life.’

Mr. S P Majhi, Assistant Manager (HR) welcomed the gathering and also proposed a formal vote of thanks. The workshop was co-ordinated by Mr. S K Nayak, Deputy Manager (HR) under the guidance of Mr. Avinash, AGM (HR) with the support of and HR- ER&C team.  It is noteworthy that the workshop is being held at regular intervals covering the spouses of the -to-be-retired employees.

On the first day pulse polio was administered at different booths set up in the steel township. In IGH alone, 297 children were administered the polio vaccine. Subsequently the door to door campaign is going on in the township to ensure 100 percent vaccination of children in the age group 0 -5 years living in the township.

In his address, Mr. Verma stressed upon the need of implementation of the Official Language (Rajbhasha) in daily official functions, documentation, and communication. He urged all departments to adopt bilingual/trilingual communications in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.  The Executive Directors gave suggestions regarding enhancing use of Rajbhasha in more official communications.

The session comprised a brief presentation by Ms. Lolati Toppo, AGM (PR-Rajbhasha) on the activities of Rajbhasha Department. Ms. Archana Satpathy, GM (PR) & CoC and Member Secretary (OLIC) elaborated on the various check points pertaining to implementation of Rajbhasha.

As part of the summer care plan, cold water is being regularly sprayed inside the enclosures of leopards, bears, deer, and primates using water tankers to reduce ambient temperatures. Air coolers have also been installed in the enclosures of leopards, bears, monkeys, peacocks, and macaws to provide additional relief from the soaring heat.

To maintain hygiene and ensure animal comfort, water pools in the paddocks of bears, deer, and emus are being scraped and cleaned thoroughly to provide clean bathing spaces. Enclosures are being disinfected regularly with medicinal disinfectants to prevent infections and maintain sanitation during the hot season.

A continuous supply of cold and potable drinking water is being ensured in the deer enclosures and wallowing ponds for sambars, nilgai, and emus. In addition, to prevent dehydration and heat-related stress, the animals are being provided electrolyte supplements, succulent feed, and anti-stress formulations mixed with drinking water, particularly for primates, birds, and deer.

Water tankers are also being deployed to sprinkle water over animal sheds every alternate day to reduce surface temperature and create a cooling effect. Special attention is being given to sensitive and endangered species, ensuring uninterrupted access to water bodies for effective body temperature regulation.

Notably, Indira Gandhi Park Zoo, is the the second-largest integrated zoo in Odisha, which attracts nearly one lakh visitors every year.