October 22, 2025: For the third time in two months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has extended the deadline for its Rs 166-crore aviary project in Mulund, citing an insufficient number of bids. The tender, floated in August, was initially set to close on September 19, later postponed to October 4, then October 17, and now the new deadline is October 31.
Civic officials said that two pre-bid meetings had been held, during which nine contractors expressed interest. “We need to receive submission of bids from a minimum of three bidders to go ahead with the project. Since we are unable to receive an adequate number of bids, we decided to extend the deadline,” an official associated with the project told the Indian Express.
The official added that many contractors had raised concerns about bank guarantees and clauses in the memorandum of understanding (MoU), considering the project’s scale. The appointed contractor will be responsible for constructing the aviary and maintaining it for two years, and may need to sign MoUs with third-party organisations to ensure smooth execution.
According to the tender, the aviary will house 22 bird species, including Sun Conure, Golden Conure, Eclectus Parrot, African Grey Parrot, Ostrich, Toco Toucan, and Black Swan. Dedicated enclosures with artificial water bodies will be built for birds like Pelicans, Ducks, Cranes, and Ostriches, replicating their natural habitats. “The responsibility of acquiring the birds, however, lies with the zoo administration. The design of the facility was also prepared by us, based on which civil works will be executed by the contractor,” the official added.
The facility will also feature a seating area, amphitheatre, knowledge centre, walkways, a restaurant, artificial rockwork, thematic cultural displays, and a waterfall. “Each enclosure of the birds will replicate its natural habitat. The facility will be equipped with ample green cover since the idea is to transform this space into a recreation hub for citizens,” said the official. The aviary will also include a hospital and quarantine facility for birds.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha has demanded a probe, alleging the Building Maintenance department has “deliberately stalled the project” due to repeated unexplained extensions.
Source: The Indian Express
