After rigging allegation, BMC to float global tender for zoo revamp

Mumbai: After cancelling a tender floated in December last year for development of exhibits for an exotic zone at the Byculla Zoo, the BMC is now set to float a global tender for the project. The BJP had earlier alleged rigging in the Rs 490-crore tender for expansion of Byculla Zoo. Mumbai BJP president MLA Ameet Satam had also written to the civic administration, asking them to float a global tender.Satam had alleged there were attempts to rig the tender by incorporating certain conditions, which appeared suited to specific contractors. "A global tender would mean advertisements regarding the tender would be put up on international platforms, and even foreign consulates would be informed about the tender. This will ensure there is participation from international firms with expertise in this kind of work," said a civic official.Three years after scrapping tenders worth Rs 291 crore for creating exhibits, following allegations of cartelization and cost escalation, the BMC, last Dec, had re-floated the tender with a proposal to house exotic animals such as emu, wallaby, black swan, lorikeet, tortoise, jaguar, chimpanzee, puma, gorilla, tamarin & marmoset, white lion, zebra, giraffe, oryx, giant anteater, meerkat, ring-tailed lemur, cheetah, and hippo, besides the development of infrastructure facilities. The tender had stated that the expansion of the zoo and the exhibits were designed as an immersive and educational experience. The proposed exotic zone will feature 17 distinct animal habitats along with a two-storey African theme cheetah restaurant and will highlight the wildlife and cultural landscapes from Australia, America and Africa. A boardwalk is to offer visitors views of wallabies, emus, and black swans, while the lorikeet aviary will encourage immersive encounters. Signature exhibits such as Jaguar habitat along with dedicated chimpanzee and gorilla zones equipped with gymnasium/kraals, will provide visitors with an engaging and educational experience.