New Rs 24 Crore Tender Announced For Ongoing Renovation Of Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo, Set To Remain Closed For Another Year
New Rs 24 Crore Tender Announced For Ongoing Renovation Of Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo, Set To Remain Closed For Another Year
16/August/2024
After investing Rs 20 crore in the renovation and enhancement of the Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo in Sambhaji Nagar, Pimpri Chinchwad, a new tender worth Rs 24 crore has been announced for additional improvements. The zoo, which has been closed to the public for the last eight years, is anticipated to remain shut for at least another year, leaving tourists disappointed.
Established in 1989 on seven acres of land owned by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) in Sambhaji Nagar, Chinchwad, the Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo was created by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to educate the public about animals and birds. Renovations began in May 2016, and the zoo has been closed since then. The renovation plans have been approved by the Central Zoo Authority and are being executed accordingly.
Despite an investment of Rs 20 crore and eight years dedicated to the project, the zoo’s beautification is still unfinished, and it remains closed. During the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in December 2023, allegations of malpractice during the renovation surfaced, including claims that 36 animals died due to official negligence. An investigation into these allegations is currently ongoing.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed that the zoo be transferred to the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM) once the beautification work is finished. The FDCM is expected to issue a letter to the PCMC administration, instructing them to complete the zoo’s renovation in accordance with Central Zoo Authority guidelines. Additionally, suggestions have been made to enhance tourism and improve services and facilities.
Consequently, the PCMC has cancelled the old tender, appointed an expert officer for the zoo, and changed the consultant. A new tender process has been initiated with amendments to the original plan.
The PCMC’s Garden Department has released a tender for the remaining beautification work of the zoo, amounting to Rs 24,02,16,068. The project is expected to take one year, and the tenders are scheduled to be opened on 26th August.
An official stated, “The beautification of the zoo will be carried out as per the instructions of FDCM and based on the advice of animal experts. The zoo will remain closed until the work is completed. Once the work is finished, a decision will be made on whether to hand over the zoo to FDCM or not. PCMC may continue managing it.”
