NGO stalls Byculla zoo's extension dreams

An NGO called Plant and Animals Welfare Welfare Society (PAWS), has expressed strong reservations against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's plan to extend the existing Byculla zoo in the city to the Aarey Colony in Goregaon east. This follows a day after a youth was killed by a white tiger in the Delhi zoo after he reportedly jumped into the animal's enclosure.

What is the NGO's stand?
Sunish Kunju, founder of PAWS asked, "At the existing Byculla zoo, the authorities are struggling to meet the required standards prescribed by the central zoo authority (CZA), so why extend it till Aarey Colony? How will the BMC maintain both?" Members of the NGO say that instead of constructing an extension of the zoo, a rehabilitation centre for the animals should be developed, since currently there is none in the city.

Is there any proof?
Kunju said that a month back, NGO members had conducted aninspection of the zoo and clicked pictures of the poor condition there. "Crocodiles and deers have been kept in the enclosures next to each other without any boundary walls. Injured animals have been kept on display which is against the CZA rules," he said.

What does the letter say?
In a letter written to Bishan Singh Bonal, member secretary of CZA, Kunju said that Sanjay Gandhi National Park already has a lion and tiger safari, so any other safari would no be needed at the Aarey Colony. Moreover, rehabilitation of animals should be higher up on the priority list, rather than extension.
"Due to reduction of green patches in the city, animals find it difficult to survive in urban areas. It is important to rehabilitate such animals and birds. When seized from illegal traders, they need to be kept under observation before being released in the wild. Currently all animals and birds have to be transported to the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) in Pune," the letter states.
Kunju said that such a centre in the city will benefit injured animals, birds rescued by animal lovers. Moreover, they gradually get re-attuned to living in the wild. This is possible only by shifting them to the rehabilitation centre.
The letter further stated that no notifications has been issued in the media to seek suggestions / objections from the citizens as required as per the 74th Constitutional Amendment and the Right to Information - RTI Act 2005, for the Aarey zoo extension.

What is the commissioner's reaction?
Additional municipal commissioner SVR Srinivas said the extension is part of a comprehensive plan. "I have not received any such letter. Since the existing zoo is a botanical garden and thespace was falling short to accommodate all animals. A separate plotthere has also been reserved for the rehabilitation centre, which was always part of the plan."