BMC to Issue Global Tender for Byculla Zoo Exotic Zone After Scrapping Previous Bid
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to float a global tender for the development of an exotic zone at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai. This decision comes after the cancellation of a tender floated in December last year, which had faced allegations of rigging and irregularities from political quarters.
Allegations of Rigging Prompt Tender Cancellation
The previous tender, valued at Rs 490 crore for the expansion of Byculla Zoo, was scrapped following complaints from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ameet Satam had written to the civic administration, alleging that certain conditions in the tender appeared tailored to favor specific contractors, raising concerns about transparency and fairness in the bidding process.
"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," explained a civic official, highlighting the benefits of opening the project to global competition.
Project Details and Exotic Animal Exhibits
The proposed exotic zone at Byculla Zoo is designed as an immersive and educational experience, featuring 17 distinct animal habitats. The project aims to house a diverse range of exotic animals, including:
- Emu, wallaby, black swan, and lorikeet
- Jaguar, chimpanzee, puma, gorilla, tamarin, and marmoset
- White lion, zebra, giraffe, oryx, giant anteater, meerkat, ring-tailed lemur, cheetah, and hippo
In addition to animal exhibits, the expansion will include infrastructure facilities such as a two-storey African theme cheetah restaurant. A boardwalk will offer visitors views of wallabies, emus, and black swans, while the lorikeet aviary is planned to encourage immersive encounters. Signature exhibits like the Jaguar habitat and dedicated chimpanzee and gorilla zones equipped with gymnasium/kraals will provide engaging educational experiences.
Historical Context and Previous Tender Issues
This is not the first time the BMC has faced challenges with tenders for the Byculla Zoo project. Three years ago, tenders worth Rs 291 crore for creating exhibits were scrapped due to allegations of cartelization and cost escalation. The re-floated tender in December last year was intended to address these issues but ultimately faced similar scrutiny, leading to its cancellation and the current move toward a global tender.
The BMC's decision to seek international participation underscores its commitment to ensuring a transparent and competitive bidding process for this significant civic project, which aims to enhance Mumbai's recreational and educational offerings through world-class zoo facilities.
