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Shiv Sena faces acid test over Byculla zoo entry fee hike

The proposed entry fee hike for Byculla Zoo has become a political battleground

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The recently proposed entry fee hike for Byculla zoo has become a political battleground for former allies Shiv Sena and BJP.

Despite group leaders advocating the hike, the Shiv Sena is apprehensive about its prospects even as the proposal is tabled before the BMC's Standing Committee meet this week.

The proposal was supposed to be tabled during the last committee meet. However, it was adjourned following death of a union cabinet minister.

The entry charge to Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Byculla Zoo was last revised in 2005 — from Re 1 to Rs 2 for children and Rs 2 to Rs 5 for adults. Over the years, the condition of the zoo has deteriorated due to poor maintenance, with citizens even choosing not to visit these places. However, the introduction of the Humboldt penguins at Byculla zoo recently has reinvigorated citizens' interest.

Yashwant Jadhav, Leader of the House, BMC, said, "All political parties advocated an entry fee hike during the group leaders meet. If they oppose the proposal during the Standing Committee meet, it will not reflect well on them." He added that a fee hike is necessary to maintain the zoo.

According to the proposal, there will be no entry fee for senior citizens, physically-disabled individuals and civic school students.

The administration had proposed a fee of Rs 300 per month for morning walkers, but it was reduced to Rs 150 during the group leaders meet, held in April.

Additionally, zoo authorities will charge a fee of Rs 100 for a family of four (mother, father and two children). However, the parents will have to pay an additional Rs 25 for the third child, if any. Couples will be charged Rs 100.

Jadhav said the Rs 100 entry fee should see more families visit these places. Apart from political pressure, there is also opposition from Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Foundation.

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