“We have studied the masterplan and have decided to approve it now. But in the interest of concerned citizens, we’ve maintained that not one tree be brought down during the modernisation of the zoo,” said B R Sharma, member secretary of the CZA.

Incidentally, the BMC had recently mentioned that only diseased trees would be uprooted. While the CZA had earlier shown reservation to this condition, Sharma now stated that they would allow the BMC to make internal decision as long as their main conditions are adhered to.

The long wait over, the BMC is now geared up to put the mega revamp plan — scheduled to take place in three phases over four years — into action. Additional Municipal Commissioner R A Rajeev said, “We received the approval letter from CZA today and will begin work without further delay. We will now issue an expression of interest to finalise a contractor for the project.”

The new Veermata Jijabai Prani Sangrahalaya, better known as Rani Baug, will house more than 90 animal species from three continents — Asia, Africa and Australia — in its 53-acre premises. The masterplan, drawn up by Bangkok-based HKS Designers & Consultants International Co Ltd and US-based landscape designers Portico Group, proposes to replicate the animals’ natural habitats. On the lines of international zoos, the new zoo will also have a 3-D theatre, a theme park, night safaris, animal rides, car park, gift shop and restaurants among other facilities. This mammoth masterplan is said to have been drawn up at a cost of Rs 4 crore.

However, even as the zoo officials cheered that the plan has finally got going, environmentalists feared that with no clear directives regarding cutting of diseased trees, the threat to the zoo’s green cover still remains. Subhada Nikhergi, member of the NGO Save Rani Bagh Botanical Garden Committee said, “We don’t object to the makeover, but want to know what criteria the BMC adapts to determine diseased tree. We want a survey to be conducted by an independent authority to establish the actual number of sick trees in the garden.”

Rajeev, however, assured that they would adhere to the rules of the Maharashtra Tree Preservation Act “in cutting diseased trees, if any”. He said, “It’s a technical issue and experts will determine if the trees are diseased.”