Mumbai: The BMC's ambitious plan to expand the Byculla Zoo with a state-of-the-art 'Bird Park' in Nahur village, Mulund West, remains in limbo even after two years. The project has received in-principle approval from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).
However, the proposal to change the land reservation to accommodate the zoo is still pending with the state's Urban Development (UD) department, despite being under review for the past two months.
The Bird Park in Mulund (West), will be a satellite of Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan, popularly known as Byculla Zoo. It will feature themed enclosures—Asian, African, Australian, and American Zones—housing 206 birds, including 18 species like the Red Breasted Parakeet, White Peacock, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and Scarlet Macaw. The aviary will cover 10,859 sq mt, with a 3,728 sq mt recreational area. The aviary will be home to both exotic and native bird species,
A detailed project report for the proposed aviary was prepared in 2023, and the BMC's proposal to acquire additional bird species received approval from the CZA last year. Another proposal, outlining the park's layout, has been submitted and is awaiting approval.
A senior civic official said, "Since the land is currently reserved for a garden, a change in the reservation to "zoo" is required, which will involve a proposal to the state's UD department. This process includes time for inviting suggestions and objections, as well as hearings. Once the approval is granted, the BMC hopes to invite tenders for the project."
The construction and design of the aviary are estimated to cost Rs 100 crore, with completion expected by 2027. This isn't the first time the BMC has proposed a bird park. The idea was first proposed in 2013, with an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore and a 25-acre plot in Powai designated to house birds and reptiles.
However, the project was delayed multiple times and eventually scrapped. A similar proposal in 2019 also met the same fate. Currently, Byculla Zoo has an aviary covering 18,234 sq ft, 44 feet high, housing 222 birds from 16 species.
