15 December,2025 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday carried out the groundbreaking ceremony of a state-of-the-art, international-standard âExotic Bird Park' at Mulund (West), marking a significant step toward strengthening tourism and enhancing the quality of life in Mumbai's eastern suburbs. The event was held at Nahur, behind Raj Industrial Estate on D.P. Road, Salpadevi Pada, in the presence of senior political leaders and civic officials.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the ceremony via video conferencing, said the proposed bird park should emerge as a major attraction for tourists visiting Mumbai. Describing the project as eco-friendly and aligned with nature, he said such initiatives would not only improve citizens' quality of life but also add to Mumbai's overall grandeur. "It is a matter of joy that this project is being developed to bring people closer to nature," the Chief Minister said, extending his best wishes for its timely completion.
On the same day, the newly constructed building of the BMC-run Mansadevi Tulsiram Agarwal General Hospital at Mulund (West) was also inaugurated, further strengthening healthcare infrastructure in the area.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who also addressed the gathering online, said development projects in Mulund were being undertaken in a planned manner to improve residents' standard of living. He noted that projects such as the new hospital building, the proposed Exotic Bird Park and a new court building would significantly enhance civic amenities. Shinde also said the feasibility of developing a golf park on the dumping ground would be examined.
Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar said the Exotic Bird Park would complement the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park, creating a unique ecological and tourism corridor in Mulund. He said the park would house birds from different regions of the world, along with diverse habitats and food arrangements, thereby boosting tourism and increasing visitor inflow. Shelar also praised the BMC administration for taking up an international-standard project at what is considered one of Mumbai's gateways.
Local MLA Mihir Kotecha highlighted ongoing and proposed civic initiatives in Mulund, including cement concrete roads, a petrol pump, the Exotic Bird Park and the development of three new gardens. He said the area was also being equipped with future-ready transport facilities through metro connectivity, along with recreational and tourism-focused infrastructure.
Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, former MP Manoj Kotak, senior civic officials and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony. A video presentation showcasing the proposed bird park and the newly completed hospital building was screened at the start of the programme. The introductory address was delivered by Director (Zoo) Dr Sanjay Tripathi.
