Avinash Patil, deputy director of PCMC’s Town Planning department, said the Talawade land was handed over to the PCMC in 1997 for maintenance purpose and later fencing of the land was allowed.

PCMC’s zoo director Anilkumar Khaire said the “semi-dry” climate of Pune was suitable for the leopard and deer safari parks. “Both deer and leopards are common in Junnar taluka of Pune district,” he said.

Khaire said several types of deer are found across the country, but the PCMC will initially house at least three varieties of deer. “Those available in the Western Ghats will get top priority,” he said.

The PCMC will soon seek permission from the Central Zoo Authority for setting up the deer safari park. Pardeshi and his team of zoo officials had discussed the projects at a meeting last month with minister Ajit Pawar.

Pet cemetery

The plan to set up two safari parks follows the distinction of a unique pet cemetery, arguably the first in the country to be set up by a civic body. Set up by the PCMC at Nehrunagar in April 2007, it has had over 400 burials so far.