The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as a part of its Byculla zoo makeover plans, will develop 63 small gardens in the zoo at the cost of about Rs 15 crore.
According to the civic officials, the civic body has undertaken the revamp of the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale (VBJ) Udyan, which is also known as Byculla zoo. Under this, it will also be developing 63 small interior gardens in its surroundings.
The development of these gardens include works like landscaping, plantation of trees and plants, pergola, arbour, seating arrangement for visitors, fencing etc. The BMC has given the contract to M/s DB Infratech, for which it will spend Rs 14.90 crore.
As a part of revamp project, the BMC has also decided to set up a 3D theatre and penguin exhibit exploration centre in the Nature Interpretation Centre at the zoo. The proposed works of interior designing, landscaping, electrical and allied works will be carried out for a 3D theatre, penguin exhibit, exploration centre in the interpretation centre. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 77 crore.
The BMC has planned to buy three pairs of Humbolt Penguins, which will be located in the Nature Interpretation Centre being newly created in the zoo. Their 100 sq mt special transparent temperature-controlled glass enclosure will be equally divided in water, sand and rocks. Humboldt Penguins like to nest in rocks. “Shows about wildlife, forest, environment will be shown in the 3D theatre. The penguins exhibit centre is also expected to draw huge crowds as the creatures are likely to be biggest attraction of the crowd,” said a senior civic official. The total cost of the zoo revamp project will be around Rs 150 crore, which includes works like an interpretation centre, zoo hospital, entrance plaza and heritage restoration apart from procurement of animals.
