The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set January 2027 as the deadline for completing the under-construction Tunnel Aquarium at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla.
BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide issued the direction during an inspection of the zoo on Thursday, where she reviewed the progress of the aquarium as well as several other ongoing projects and initiatives.
During the visit, Bhide instructed officials to ensure that construction of the Tunnel Aquarium is completed within the revised timeline. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) Ajitkumar Ambi, Zoo Director Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Superintendent of Gardens Jitendra Pardeshi and other officials were present.
Hibiscus Exhibition Attracts Visitors
Bhide also visited a hibiscus exhibition being held within the zoo. The display features around 50 varieties of hibiscus, showcasing flowers in a range of colours.
She appealed to citizens to visit the exhibition and explore the different varieties on display.
As part of the Centre’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Bhide also planted a ‘Century Palm’ tree on the zoo premises.
Asiatic Lions Expected by December
Meanwhile, the Byculla Zoo is preparing to welcome four Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh by the end of 2026.
The zoo has initiated arrangements to procure three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys from abroad, which will be exchanged with Sakkarbaug Zoo as part of the agreement for the lions.
A senior civic official told mid-day, “We are procuring the capuchin monkeys through an international agency. As per our agreement with Sakkarbaug Zoo, we will receive the lions in exchange for the monkeys. The entire process is likely to take two to five months, so the lions should arrive by December 2026.”
The zoo’s newly constructed Asiatic lion enclosure, developed during Phase I of its expansion programme, is currently awaiting occupants.
“The zoo has completely prepared the Asiatic lion enclosure,” Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said on Friday. “Everything is ready, and we are awaiting the lions. I recently followed up with Sakkarbaug Zoo and was assured that the timelines will be met. I would also like to visit the zoo during the exchange and convey Mumbai’s gratitude.”
According to the BMC, the 2,000-sq-m enclosure includes a viewing panel and has been designed to replicate the natural surroundings of the Gir forest.
With the aquarium targeted for January 2027 and the arrival of the Asiatic lions expected by December, the Byculla Zoo is set for further additions to its visitor facilities and animal exhibits.
Source: Mid-day
