Will try to address heritage concerns on Byculla Zoo plan: BMC

“The MHCC’s primary concern is that we recognize the botanical status of the zoo garden. While the zoo doesn’t have the status of a botanical garden in any government document,its rich botanical heritage cannot be ignored. We will ensure this garden is not disturbed as well as the bio-diversity of the garden is maintained,” Gupta said.

Talking about the MHCC’s one major contention that the trees should remain accessible to people following the makeover,Gupta said,“While certain trees will have to be put inside enclosures in order to maintain the overall design,we will ensure that a few trees and foliage of every species are kept in the public area. Plus,the zoo already has a good nursery which will be preserved.”

According to the zoo officials,Gupta will soon organise a visit to the zoo premises along with the MHCC officials to conduct a point-by-point survey and discuss a solution to the committee’s objections. “A slight delay in projects of such magnitude is expected considering that it involves scrutiny by various committees. However,we are hoping to sort out the matter and start with the makeover at the earliest,” Gupta said.