Will there be an investigation into the repeated extensions in the Mulund Bird Park tender?
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Synopsis
The BJP in Mumbai demands an immediate investigation into the tender process for the Mulund Bird Park, alleging favoritism and lack of transparency. As the civic elections approach, concerns grow over potential corruption in one of the city's key projects.
Key Takeaways
- The BJP is demanding a probe into the Bird Park tender process.
- Claims of favoritism towards contractors with controversial histories are serious.
- Transparency in municipal projects is crucial for public trust.
- Repeated extensions in the tender process have raised concerns among stakeholders.
- The Bird Park aims to showcase diverse bird species in a natural setting.
Mumbai, Oct 13 (NationPress) In anticipation of the upcoming civic and local body elections, the Mumbai faction of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for an immediate investigation into the frequent extensions granted during the tendering process for the proposed Bird Park in Mulund, located in northeast Mumbai.
The party has accused the Chief Engineer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Building Maintenance Department of intentionally delaying the process to favor “tainted” firms.
In a correspondence addressed to BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha noted that the tender for the Bird Park was initially launched on August 29, 2025, with a submission deadline set for September 19, 2025. A pre-bid meeting took place on September 10, attended by nine bidders. However, the deadline has since been pushed back twice—first to October 3 and then to October 17, causing a delay of nearly a month.
“Even after the pre-bid meeting over four weeks ago, there has been no official response to the bidders’ inquiries, nor have the minutes from the meeting been documented. Drafting the minutes typically requires no more than 30 minutes, yet after 28 days, the department has been silent. These repeated extensions are utterly unjustifiable, unexplained, and unwarranted,” Kotecha stated.
He further alleged that the Chief Engineer is attempting to favor two contractors—Highway Corporation and Skyway—both known for their controversial backgrounds.
“It seems the Chief Engineer is working to benefit these tainted contractors. This suggests a clear nexus between certain companies and senior BMC officials. Such actions undermine the transparency of the process and threaten one of the BMC’s most significant projects,” he added.
Kotecha has demanded that the tender process be reassigned to another department to ensure fairness, alleging that “the absence of due diligence, fair practices, and sound judgment has allowed vested interests to manipulate the process.”
As per BMC’s project outline, the planned Bird Park in Mulund will accommodate 206 birds from 18 regional, exotic, and endangered species in enclosures designed to replicate their natural habitats. Spanning a 17,958-square-metre area in Nahur village, the ₹166-crore facility will serve as a sub-centre of the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla.
Point of View
This situation highlights the critical need for transparency and accountability in municipal projects. The allegations made by the BJP are serious and reflect broader concerns about corruption and favoritism in public contracts. As the elections approach, it is essential for authorities to ensure fair practices to maintain public trust.
NationPress
21/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mulund Bird Park project?
The Mulund Bird Park is a proposed facility intended to house 206 birds from various species, designed to replicate their natural habitats.
Why has the BJP called for an investigation?
The BJP has raised concerns over repeated extensions in the tender process, alleging that it favors certain contractors with controversial backgrounds.
What are the implications of these allegations?
If proven true, these allegations could undermine public trust in the BMC and its ability to manage significant projects transparently.
Who is Mihir Kotecha?
Mihir Kotecha is the BJP MLA from Mulund, who has been vocal about the need for a fair tender process for the Bird Park project.
What is the expected budget for the Bird Park?
The projected budget for the Bird Park is ₹166 crores.
