Mumbai: The Maharashtra Urban Development Department has started the process to reserve a 4.4-acre plot of land in Nahur for establishing a Rs.100 crore zoo and aviary. The department issued a notice on April 7 calling for suggestions or objections to de-reserve the plot. At present, construction work is not permitted on the plot in Nahur.
The plan to introduce a zoo in Nahur was proposed last year, according to a report in Hindustan Times. Mumbai’s municipal commissioner, Bhushan Gagrani, stated that the goal is to create a tourist attraction in the eastern suburbs. At present, the only locations available for nature enthusiasts in the eastern suburbs are the Powai Lake promenade and the Bhandup pumping station, where visitors can enjoy birdwatching, including sightings of flamingos.
A new zoo project, estimated to cost at least Rs. 100 crore, is supported by Mihir Kotecha, the Mulund MLA from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “This is my dream project. BMC officials have informed me that construction will be completed within two years once it begins," as per the report.
The Project tenders are expected to be provided by June, and the state government is planning to hold a bhoomi poojan ceremony during the monsoon season, ahead of the BMC elections. The Central Zoo Authority of India, along with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has approved the establishment of the zoo and aviary, the official added.
According to a BMC official, the upcoming themed aviary will showcase 22 different bird species, including African grey parrots, black swans, toco toucans, and white peafowls. These birds will be brought to Mumbai through an international exchange programme, sourcing them from wildlife parks in regions such as Africa, Australia, and the United States, according to a Hindustan Times report.
