Pune: The Sambhajinagar-based Nisargkavi Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoo, under the jurisdiction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, has been closed for eight years due to ongoing renovation and beautification efforts.
So far, ₹20 crore has been spent on these efforts. Recently, a new tender worth ₹24 crore has been issued for additional beautification, which means the zoo will remain closed to visitors for yet another year.
The Central Zoo Authority had approved the renovation of the zoo, including the creation of a serpentarium. Despite the significant expenditure and the long duration of the project, the beautification work remains incomplete, and the zoo has remained shuttered.
During the winter session of the Legislative Assembly in December 2023, allegations of mismanagement and negligence by officials were raised, pointing to the deaths of 36 animals and birds. As a result, an investigation into the entire matter is currently underway.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed that, once the beautification is complete, the zoo should be handed over to the Maharashtra Forest Development Corporation (FDCM).
In light of this, the corporation sent a letter to the municipal administration urging them to expedite the zoo's renovation in accordance with Central Zoo Authority guidelines, and to make necessary arrangements to boost tourism.
Responding to these directives, the Municipal Corporation canceled the old tender, appointed a new expert officer for the zoo, and replaced the consultant.
The renovation plans were revised, and a fresh tender worth ₹24.02 crore has been issued by the Parks and Gardens Department for the completion of the remaining work.
