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<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-style:="" italic="">Will Mumbai finally have an ''open'' zoo? BMC steps in to modernise city zoo, asks consultants for a feasibility study</span><br /><br />The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken the first step towards modernising the Veermata Jijabai Udyan, popularly known as the Byculla zoo. In a significant decision, the Corporation has now asked global consulting firm McKinsey & Co to conduct a feasibility study of the zoo to come up with recommendations to transform the zoo to international standards. <br /><br />The move is the result of a letter by prominent citizens like Nanik Rupani, Justice (retd) R A Jahagirdar, Sharada Dwivedi and others to BMC Commissioner Johny Joseph urging him to convert the zoo into a world-class animal kingdom. Led by Congress leader Raj Shroff, the citizens have also presented broad guidelines based on the Singapore zoo, proposing an underwater world, a marine stadium, a bird park and a simulation theatre. The entire 52 acres could be leased out to a joint partner for period of 30 years on Built-Operate-Transfer agreement on a mutually agreeable revenue guarantee, says the guideline.<br /><br />It is further suggested that different themes as seen in the Ethiopian zoo, which also displays the fossilised remains of the first man, can be developed with local Indian themes. Animal display techniques like vehicles surrounded by thick glass and underwater viewing are also proposed. An education centre is also planned to create awareness amongst the visitors towards animals along with skilled personnel to manage the zoo. To boost finances, food courts and tram rides can be planned. "With McKinsey in the picture, the entire process can be transparent. There are many clearances and permissions required and we hope that the interested parties get those from the BMC to create a world-class zoo in Mumbai," states Shroff.<br /><br />Phase I of the plan suggests landscaping of the ground to create a natural habitat in open enclosures. "It is a good step since animals feel enriched in familiar surroundings and they look happy," says Anuradha Sawhney, chief functionary, PETA. <br /><br />A look at the number of sick animals and those dead in the past few years clearly shows the need of the open-zoo concept, feels Jahagirdar.</div> </div>