Byculla zoo Tunnel Aquarium: BMC sets January 2027 completion deadline

Mumbai civic chief Ashwini Bhide visits the hibiscus exhibition being held at the zoo. PIC/BMC

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Thursday directed officials to complete the ongoing construction of the Tunnel Aquarium at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla by January 2027.

Bhide inspected the ongoing construction of the Tunnel Aquarium during her visit to the Byculla zoo on Thursday, where she also reviewed various projects and initiatives being undertaken at the facility.

During the inspection, Bhide directed officials concerned to ensure that the construction work on the Tunnel Aquarium is completed by January 2027.

Additional Municipal Commissioner (Eastern Suburbs) Dr Avinash Dhakane, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Gardens) Ajitkumar Ambi, Director of the Zoo Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Superintendent of Gardens Jitendra Pardeshi, and other officials and staff were present during the inspection.

Bhide also visited the hibiscus exhibition being held at the zoo. The exhibition features around 50 varieties of hibiscus plants with flowers in different colours and is open to the public.

Appealing to citizens to visit the exhibition, Bhide said people should explore the different varieties and colours of hibiscus flowers on display.

As part of the Centre's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign and to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday, Bhide also planted a 'Century Palm' tree at the zoo.

The civic commissioner inspected various other projects and initiatives at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo during her visit.

Byculla Zoo set to get four Asiatic lions from Junagadh by year-end

Mumbai's Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Botanical Garden and Zoo (Byculla Zoo) will get two pairs of Asiatic lions from Junagadh's Sakkarbaug Zoo by the end of the year. The Byculla Zoo has begun the process of procuring three pairs of tufted capuchin monkeys from abroad to exchange with Sakkarbaug Zoo in return 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 Asiatic lion enclosure, built during Phase I of the zoo expansion project, is currently vacant. "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 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the 2000 sq m lion enclosure features a viewing panel and is designed to resemble the Gir forest habitat.