Mumbai: Lokayukt to take stock of penguins' living conditions at Byculla Zoo

A day after the Congress lodged a complaint against the corruption and irregularities involved in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) ambitious penguin project, the state Lokayukt, Justice (Retired) ML Tahaliyani has decided to visit Byculla Zoo to check the facilities available for the Humboldt penguins. The decision came on Friday when the Lokayukt was hearing the complaint. On Thursday, Leader of Opposition in BMC, Pravin Chheda had written a letter to the state Lokayukt and demanded a probe into the matter.

Fix responsibility
When asked about the hearing, Chheda said, "Lokayukt has asked the zoo authorities to fix responsibility for the penguin's death. He also said that he will visit the zoo next week to take stock of the arrangements." He added, "Tahaliyani is not satisfied with the reply of the zoo authorities. The zoo director has submitted a report regarding the penguin project. Decision will be taken in the next hearing to be held on November 15."

Lapses revealed
After the death of the 1.5-year-old female Humboldt penguin due to some bacterial infection, serious questions have been raised about the quality of quarantine and other facilities available for the penguins at the zoo. It has also been alleged that the aquatic bird died due to the negligence of the zoo authority and the contractor, who was handed over the responsibility of maintaining the penguins.

After the penguin's death, several lapses in the project were revealed. Mid-day has earlier reported about how BMC's claim of getting dead penguins replaced was false as the supplier company said that there was no warranty period condition mentioned in the contract. Even the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has sought an explanation from Byculla Zoo and BMC for the penguin's death.

The contractor, Highway Construction Company, along with US-based Sivat Agencies - which is an expert in constructing penguin enclosures - was awarded the contract of R25 crore for constructing enclosures and maintaining the penguins for the next five years. However, later it was revealed that the contractor had been blacklisted for supplying bogus health equipment. Also, it had not entered into a joint venture with Sivat as the authorities of the US-based company denied any such tie up.

Weekly health bulletin sought
Considering the risk to the life of the penguins, Chheda has demanded that a health bulletin should be started every week. "I have written a letter to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta to provide health bulletin every week. He has asked BMC to send back the penguins since the enclosure work is yet to be completed," Chheda said.

Next hearing on Nov 15
An official from the zoo said, "We have submitted all documents before the Lokayukt. The next hearing will be on November 15."

Rs 25cr
Cost of the contract awarded for maintaining the penguins

Nov 15
Date for the next hearing