Pune: PCMC Issues New Rs 24 Crore Tender for Zoo Renovation After Spending Rs 20 Crore

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 16th August 2024: After spending Rs 20 crore on the renovation and beautification of the Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo in Sambhaji Nagar, Pimpri Chinchwad, a new Rs 24 crore tender has been announced for further improvements. The zoo, which has been closed to visitors for the past eight years, is expected to remain shut for at least another year, disappointing tourists.

The Nisargakavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo was established in 1989 on seven acres of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) land in Sambhaji Nagar, Chinchwad, by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to educate citizens about animals and birds. Renovation of the zoo began in May 2016, and it has remained closed since then. Approved by the Central Zoo Authority, the renovation efforts have been carried out accordingly.

Despite spending Rs 20 crore and eight years on the project, the zoo’s beautification remains incomplete, and it is still closed. Allegations of malpractice during the renovation process, including the deaths of 36 animals reportedly due to the negligence of officials, were raised during the winter session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in December 2023. An investigation into the matter is currently underway.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has ordered that the zoo be handed over to the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM) after completing the beautification work. The FDCM is expected to send a letter to the PCMC administration, instructing them to complete the zoo’s renovation in compliance with Central Zoo Authority guidelines. Recommendations to boost tourism and enhance services and facilities have also been made.

Consequently, the PCMC 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.

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, with tenders scheduled to be opened on 26th August.

Manoj Sethiya, Joint City Engineer of the Garden Department, PCMC, 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.”