Subhechcha Ganguly 
Maharashtra’s Urban Development Department has kickstarted the process to reserve a 4.4-acre plot in Nahur for a proposed ₹100-crore zoo and aviary, aiming to bring a much-needed tourist attraction to the eastern suburbs of Mumbai.
In a public notice issued on April 7, the department has invited suggestions and objections regarding the de-reservation of the land, which is currently classified as a park where construction is not permitted.
First announced last year, the project envisions a thematic zoo and aviary designed to house 22 bird species including African grey parrots, black swans, toco toucans, and white peafowls. The birds will be sourced from international parks through an exchange program with countries such as Australia, the USA, and across Africa.
Backed by Mulund MLA Mihir Kotecha of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the project has received the green light from the Central Zoo Authority of India and the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. “This is my dream project. I am told by BMC officers that it will be complete within two years once the work begins,” said Kotecha.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani highlighted that the initiative aims to provide a nature-centric recreational space in the eastern suburbs, which currently only have a handful of green getaways such as Powai Lake promenade and Bhandup pumping station, both popular for birdwatching.
Tenders for the project are expected to be floated by June, with the bhoomi poojan (groundbreaking ceremony) scheduled during the monsoon, ahead of the upcoming BMC elections.
