Free Entry to Three Zoos on CM Vijay's Birthday; Vandalur to Cap Online Tickets to 50,000 a Day The Tamil Nadu forest department has announced free entry to three zoological parks across the state on June 21 and 22 to commemorate Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay’s 52nd birthday on June 22. The initiative will include the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur, the Amirthi Zoological Park in Vellore district, and the Kurumbapatti Zoological Park in Salem district. Visitors will need to register online for free access, with Forest Minister R V Ranjithkumar confirming that his family trust will cover the associated costs, estimated at around Rs 1 crore. The minister emphasized that the Vandalur zoo will not face financial losses, stating that the arrangement would ensure the facility remains operational without disruption. The announcement has sparked discussions among wildlife experts and zoo officials about potential overcrowding at Vandalur, particularly during the summer months. Pre-pandemic, the zoo had accommodated peak visitor numbers of approximately 60,000 during Pongal holidays, though its official carrying capacity is around 15,000 visitors at any given time. Concerns have been raised that exceeding 100,000 daily visitors could compromise public safety and animal welfare, especially under high temperatures. Ranjithkumar acknowledged these worries, stating that crowd-control measures are being implemented. He instructed the forest department to limit online ticket sales to 50,000 per day and to manage on-site entries based on the number of people already inside the zoo.#chief_minister_c_joseph_vijay #tamil_nadu_forest_department #forest_minister_r_v_ranjithkumar #vandalur_zoo #amirthi_zoological_park
Chief Minister Vijay Plays Chess with Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa During Chennai Visit Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa arrived at the Tamil Nadu government Secretariat in Chennai on Monday, June 8, 2026, for a scheduled meeting with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. During the encounter, Vijay surprised the chess prodigy by requesting officials to bring a chessboard and engaging in a game. Praggnanandhaa expressed surprise at the Chief Minister’s initiative, stating he had not anticipated the move. “I did not expect it. He asked officials to bring a board and started playing with me. I did not know he played chess,” the Grandmaster recalled. Despite winning the match, he acknowledged Vijay’s skill, noting the Chief Minister “played well” and mentioned that Vijay often plays with friends. The meeting also included a gesture of recognition for Praggnanandhaa’s recent achievements. Vijay presented the Grandmaster with a cheque for ₹50 lakh in appreciation for his victory at the Norway Chess tournament, which he had recently emerged champion in. The prize was awarded as a mark of respect for his success in the prestigious event. The encounter highlighted the unexpected personal connection between the Chief Minister and the young athlete, blending public recognition with a moment of informal camaraderie. The event underscored the growing visibility of Indian chess players on the global stage, with Praggnanandhaa’s triumph at the Norway tournament marking a significant milestone in his career. The meeting also drew attention to the state’s engagement with sports, as Vijay’s gesture reflected support for talent and excellence.#chennai #chief_minister_c_joseph_vijay #grandmaster_praggnanandhaa #tamil_nadu_government_secretariat #norway_chess_tournament
