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BMC Budget Check: Byculla Zoo hopes to forge ahead with exotic section

To that end, the zoo has already begun the construction of 17 enclosures at a war footing by utilising part of the Rs 92 crore funding that it received in the previous budget.

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The zoo was allocated Rs 92 crore in the last budget which was directed towards the new enclosure construction and repairs
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The Veermata Jijabai Bhosale (VJB) Udyan and Zoo at Byculla, in the upcoming BMC budget, might be allotted over Rs 120 crores for its ambitious project of setting up the exotic animal arena in the 10 acres land that it acquired from Mafatlal and Poddar Mill last year.

To that end, the zoo has already begun the construction of 17 enclosures at a war footing by utilising part of the Rs 92 crore funding that it received in the previous budget. A part of that was also used to clear the pending work of the penguin enclosures as well as other work like that of upkeep of gardens and tourists amenities.

A senior BMC official said that the exotic section is being built from scratch, and will include setting up of internal roads, gardens, public facilities. "We are already looking at an estimated cost of around Rs 100 crore, while the rest of the money will be utilised to complete the ongoing and pending work of other enclosures," he said.

The exotic section project has already been approved by BMC and a detailed animal collection plan, along with the master layout plan prepared by consultant HKS International also has been submitted to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA). In the section, Mumbaikars will be able to set sights on Black Jaguars, White Lions, Okapi, Oryx, Cheetah, Wallaby, Hippo, Giraffe, Zebra, Mandrill Monkey, Chimpanzee, Ring Tailed Lemurs, Cassovari, Emu, Ostrich, Lesser flamingos, and Lorikeets.

With an aim to raise stakes and bring the VJB Zoo at par with international zoos while also becoming the nation's best animal collection, the BMC has been extremely supportive with funds. Senior officials added that the backing of Aditya Thackeray for the zoo has also been a huge boost, as it has opened the doors for regular financial aid.

PLAN OF EXPANSION

Authorities seek fund for exotic animal section

  • Rs 120 cr money it expects to be allocated this year
  • 17 Enclosures that zoo is building
  • 10 acres land acquired for it last year
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