Plans are in motion to revamp the Bahinabai Chaudhary Zoological Museum in Chinchwad, with the appointment of Nilam Kumar Khaire as a consultant to oversee the reconstruction project. The initiative aims to enhance the museum’s infrastructure while ensuring a conducive environment for its animal inhabitants.
Situated in Sambhajinagar, Chinchwad, the museum spans a vast seven-acre area adjacent to the Bahinabai Chaudhari Sarpodyan and Zoological Museum. Initially inaugurated on December 30, 1989, the museum underwent renovations in 2016 to enhance its facilities and exhibits.
However, since December 25, 2017, the zoo has been closed to the public due to ongoing expansion works. Various factors, including inadequate planning by consultants and contractors, as well as administrative oversights, have contributed to delays in the project’s completion, despite initial deadlines set for October 2018.
The forthcoming renovations will include the establishment of a state-of-the-art animal hospital, an informative visitor center, a wildlife library, and interactive educational activities for children to foster an appreciation for wildlife conservation. While progress has been gradual, officials remain optimistic about completing the museum in the near future and reopening it to the public.
The Pimpri Chinchwad Corporation (PCMC) has taken a significant stride towards enhancing the Nisargakavi Bahinabai Zoo by appointing two consultants for a two-year term. One consultant will oversee civil works to ensure their alignment with animal welfare standards, while the other, an animal expert, will contribute to the care and introduction of new species.
Underlining the significance of the consultants’ roles, PCMC Deputy Commissioner, Sandeep Court, emphasized the need for the appointed animal expert to possess a minimum of 20 years of experience in handling reptiles and avians, while the civil works consultant should have prior experience as a zoo advisor.
With 184 animals currently housed in the zoo, the closure since December 2017, based on recommendations from the Central Zoo Authority of India, underscores the urgency of completing necessary infrastructure improvements. BJP MLA Ashwini Jagtap has underscored the imperative nature of these enhancements, linking delays to animal welfare concerns and mortalities.
Furthermore, a PMC official affirmed the government’s directive to prioritize zoo operations, hinting at potential collaboration with the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (FDCM) for future management. In light of structural objections, the civic body has terminated the services of the former advisor, with nearly 70% of the work already accomplished. The pending tasks are slated for completion within 1.5 years, with work orders expected to be issued within the next 1.5 months in consultation with the newly appointed advisors, as per Manoj Sethia, Joint Secretary Engineer of PCMC.
