Calcutta High Court Grants Interim Stay on Alipore Zoo Land Sale, Citing Environmental and Animal Welfare Concerns

KOLKATA: In a significant development that has captured national attention, the Calcutta High Court on Monday, September 1, 2025, placed an interim stay on the sale of a portion of the Alipore Zoological Garden land. This pivotal decision, made by a Division Bench comprising Justice Sujoy Pal and Justice Smita Das De, halts any immediate action concerning a tender issued earlier this year for the commercial development of approximately 3 acres of the iconic zoo’s adjacent property. The ruling makes this development a lead news item on a day marked by other critical national and international headlines.

State’s Move to Monetize Prime Land Faces Judicial Scrutiny

The West Bengal government’s decision to auction off around 4.2 acres (254 kothas) of land opposite the Alipore Zoo, situated on Belvedere Road, was aimed at bolstering state revenue. Officials indicated that the monetization of this prime real estate, previously earmarked for zoo infrastructure including a quarantine centre, a defunct aquarium, an animal hospital, and staff quarters, was expected to generate over ₹300 crore. This move was reportedly driven by financial pressures, including tax stagnation and a reduction in central government funding for development schemes.

The land, which has historically served various zoo-related functions such as fodder cultivation and nursery management, was slated for commercial utilization through an e-auction by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), following a plan approved by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor-in-Council in July 2024. The state government had sought to monetize this asset to fund its welfare and development initiatives.

Public Interest Litigation Challenges Land Sale

The court’s intervention came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by SWAZON (Save Wild Animals of Zoo and Our Nature), a city-based voluntary organization. The petition challenged the state’s decision to allot the land for commercial use, raising concerns about the preservation of the zoo’s historical and ecological integrity. A crucial aspect of the PIL highlighted alleged “gross administrative negligence,” including a startling claim of over 300 animals “disappearing” from the Alipore Zoo’s records within a single financial year. SWAZON sought a court-monitored investigation into these discrepancies and an immediate halt to the land sale.

During the proceedings, Advocate Sabyasachi Chatterjee, representing the petitioners, argued that the proposed urbanisation plans would impact the zoo’s vicinity and stressed the land’s decades-long use for essential zoo operations. In response, Advocate General Kishore Dutta, appearing for the state government, described the apprehensions about the zoo’s closure as “mere apprehension” and asserted that the land was state property designated for development, not directly belonging to the zoo itself. Counsel for HIDCO contended that only a small fraction (1.117 hectares out of 77) of the total land was being utilized for development and that imposing a stay at this stage might be premature.

Court Grants Interim Stay, Next Hearing Post-Durga Puja

The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court, acknowledging the gravity of the issues raised, ordered that no action could be taken on the tender issued on July 23 regarding the sale of the zoo land until further orders. The court has scheduled the next hearing in the matter for after the upcoming Durga Puja festivities, leaving the future of the sale in abeyance.

Broader News Context on September 1, 2025

The Alipore Zoo land sale controversy dominated headlines as part of a significant news cycle on September 1, 2025. Other major news reported included a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan that claimed at least 800 lives and injured thousands, with international aid efforts underway. In domestic affairs, ongoing protests related to Maratha reservation in Mumbai saw leaders urging adherence to High Court directives. International relations also featured prominently, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi redefining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity and addressing recent terrorist attacks. Discussions surrounding the budget for Census 2027, India’s trade relations, and various sports events also formed part of the day’s extensive news coverage.

The Calcutta High Court’s interim stay on the Alipore Zoo land sale underscores the judiciary’s role in balancing developmental aspirations with environmental protection and animal welfare concerns. This legal development is expected to have significant implications for the state government’s revenue generation plans and highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in managing public assets. The ongoing case sets a precedent for how such disputes are adjudicated, ensuring that public land is managed responsibly. This news continues to be a primary focus, reflecting the complex interplay between urban development, conservation, and legal oversight in India.