But Byculla Zoo gets a year’s recognition from the Central Zoo Authority.
The civic administration’s move to modernise the Jijamata Udyan got a shot in arm with four leading consultants showing an interest to be a part of the project. Convinced of its efforts to upgrade the zoo, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has given a one-year recognition to the Byculla zoo, which would be up for review next year.
As of now, London Society of Zoo, Bernard Harrison & Friends Ltd, along with a company based in the US and one in Haryana have shown an interest to be partners with BMC in upgrading the zoo.
“The funding will be completely done by us. As per the McKinsey report, we will appoint a trust under the chairmanship of the mayor, along with wildlife experts and members from the consultants, to undertake the project and maintain it,” said RA Rajeev, additional municipal commissioner.
The total cost of the project is Rs 130 crore and a budgetary provision of Rs 25 crore has already been made in this year’s budget. The civic authorities are keen to ensure that a leading wildlife expert with a minimum experience of five years in any national zoo or other international zoos would undertake the management of the zoo. The civic body wants to transform the 53-acre Byculla zoo into a major tourist destination.
BR Sharma, member secretary of CZA has met civic officials, including municipal commissioner Johny Joseph, a couple of times. He said the concept of an open zoo was the ideal one for Byculla Zoo. “But the comfort levels of animals and visitors have to be taken into account,” he said. Sharma has suggested that a wildlife manager along with veterinary doctors be appointed to look after the zoo. Animals should be kept corresponding to the ratio of space available, he said.
“We will ensure that the zoo modernisation is completed in the next two years,” Joseph said. Mayor Datta Dalvi said, “The zoo is not shifting out; but getting completely modernised and we are committed to it.”
