While the tribal residents of Aarey Milk Colony have opposed the proposed zoo alleging that authorities have not taken them into confidence for the project, the BMC chief has claimed otherwise. Praveen Pardeshi told mid-day that the 120-acre plot, where the zoo is set to come up at the cost of Rs 500 crore, has been in BMC's possession for several years and the location was finalised after taking all factors into consideration, which is why the project found mention in the Development Plan 2034.

On Monday, mid-day reported in, 'Proposed Aarey Zoo in leopard corridor: Locals', about the opposition to the project by members of the tribal community and Aarey activists, who claim the plot finalised for the zoo falls in the middle of an area frequented by leopards and other wild animals.