BMC says it has no choice but to depend on the company as it doesn’t know anyone else who can take care of the Humboldt penguins
ADVERTISEMENT
Once bitten, twice shy? Not the BMC, certainly. The civic body claims to have fired the tainted contractor for the penguin project, but it turns out the firm will remain in charge of the aquatic birds for another year.
While the contractor — Highway Construction Company (HCC) — pulled wool over the BMC’s eyes with its false claims about tying up with foreign experts from the US, in addition to several other lies, the BMC continues to depend on the company, claiming that it doesn’t know anyone else who can handle the Humboldt penguins at Byculla zoo.
Lies exposed
Out of the eight penguins that arrived here in July, a 1.5-year-old female penguin passed away last month, sparking a massive controversy. Several reports exposed how the contractor lied time and again, while the BMC did not even bother to secure all the required paperwork for the project. Instead, the civic body allowed HCC to go ahead merely on a verbal assurance.
Also Read: Mumbai: BMC starts phase 2 of Byculla zoo works
The corporation reacted by firing the company and cancelling the R45-crore contract for constructing the quarantine area, final enclosure, administrative building and auditorium. However, the company will stay on for a year and complete the enclosure and monitor the penguins’ health.
For the penguins’ good
Deputy Municipal Commissioner (General Administration Department) Sudhir Naik, who is in charge of the Byculla zoo revamp, confirmed the development. “Since we don’t have any other experts, the contractor’s team will be allowed to continue maintenance and care of penguins for one year. We are trying to find some other contractor who is an expert and can take care of the animals.”
He added, “Another problem is that the birds have become habituated to the staff. At feeding time, they immediately recognise the staffers and come forward to eat. Considering this, we have to be very careful while appointing someone new.”
In the meanwhile, we’ll just have to pray that the remaining penguins survive an entire year.
There are other options
The zoo authorities may claim that that have no other option, but that’s not necessarily true. For one, they can reach out to the Bombay Veterinary College for help in taking care of the penguins. Or, as so many activists and politicians have already suggested, just send the penguins back to where they came from.
Read Story: Mumbai: Contractor faked 3 MoUs to bag penguin project
Bad planning
This is a classic example of the short-sighted planning by Byculla zoo authorities. Activists have slammed the authorities for rushing to bring the delicate penguins to Mumbai without first making the necessary arrangements. Activist Pawan Sharma of the NGO RAWW said, “Public opinion, animal rights and public money are taken for granted. Once again, the world’s richest corporation — known for the poorest treatment to animals and unnecessary projects — is heading towards another mega disaster. It’s not just public money at stake here, but also the lives of several animals.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
