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Key Points

The Mumbai BJP has raised serious allegations about the Mulund Bird Park tender process, accusing BMC officials of deliberately extending deadlines to favor specific contractors. BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha has written to BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, highlighting multiple suspicious extensions in the tender submission timeline. The proposed Rs 166-crore project, designed to house 206 birds across 18 species, is now under scrutiny for potential procedural irregularities. Kotecha is demanding a comprehensive probe to ensure transparency and prevent potential manipulation of the tender process.

Key Points: BJP Mihir Kotecha Exposes BMC Mulund Bird Park Tender Scandal

  • BJP demands immediate investigation into BMC tender process
  • Allegations of deliberate tender extension to benefit specific contractors
  • Proposed Bird Park project worth Rs 166 crore in Mulund
  • Claims of nexus between BMC officials and private companies
2 min read

Order probe into repeated extensions in Mulund Bird Park tender, demands BJP

BJP alleges tender manipulation in Mumbai's Mulund Bird Park project, demands probe into repeated extensions and contractor favoritism

"These repeated extensions are unjustifiable, unexplained, and unwarranted - Mihir Kotecha, BJP MLA"

Mumbai, Oct 13

In the run-up to the civic and local body elections, the Mumbai unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an immediate probe into the repeated extensions granted in the tender process for the proposed Bird Park at Mulund in northeast Mumbai.

The party has accused the Chief Engineer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Building Maintenance Department of deliberately stalling the process to benefit "tainted" firms.

In a letter addressed to BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani, Mulund BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha said the tender for the Bird Park project was initially floated on August 29, 2025, with a submission deadline of September 19, 2025. A pre-bid meeting was held on September 10, attended by nine bidders. However, the deadline has since been extended twice -- first to October 3 and again to October 17 -- resulting in a delay of nearly a month.

"Despite the pre-bid meeting taking place more than four weeks ago, no official replies have been issued to the bidders' queries, nor have the minutes of the meeting been prepared. Preparing minutes takes no more than 30 minutes, yet even after 28 days, the department has remained silent. These repeated extensions are unjustifiable, unexplained, and unwarranted," Kotecha said.

He alleged that the Chief Engineer is attempting to favour two contractors -- Highway Corporation and Skyway -- both of whom have a controversial track record.

"It appears that the Chief Engineer is trying to benefit these tainted contractors. This indicates a clear nexus between certain companies and senior BMC officials. Such actions not only compromise the transparency of the process but also jeopardize one of the BMC's most iconic projects," he added.

Kotecha demanded that the tender process be transferred to another department to ensure impartiality, alleging that "the lack of due diligence, fair practices, and sound judgment has allowed vested interests to rig and manipulate the process."

According to BMC's project plan, the proposed Bird Park in Mulund will house 206 birds belonging to 18 regional, exotic, and endangered species in enclosures replicating their natural habitats. Spread across a 17,958-square-metre plot in Nahur village, the Rs 166-crore facility will function as a sub-centre of the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in Byculla.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Mulund resident, I've been eagerly waiting for this Bird Park. It's disappointing to see such delays. The BMC should ensure transparency in all projects, especially one that will benefit our community so much.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the BJP raising this issue, let's not forget that all political parties play these games before elections. The real question is - will any action actually be taken, or is this just political drama?
S
Shreya B
₹166 crore for a Bird Park? That's a huge amount! We need to ensure every rupee is spent properly. If there's any corruption, it should be investigated thoroughly. Our tax money shouldn't be wasted. 💰
A
Arjun K
The details mentioned by Kotecha are quite specific - 28 days and no minutes prepared? That does sound suspicious. Hope the Commissioner orders a proper inquiry. Mumbai deserves better infrastructure without these delays.
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Nisha Z
This is exactly why Mumbai's development gets stuck. Officials and contractors nexus ruins everything. Hope this Bird Park project doesn't become another casualty of corruption. 🙏

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