BMC Greenlights Rs 61.8 Lakh Meat Supply Contract for Byculla Zoo's Carnivores
In a crucial decision for Mumbai's wildlife facility, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) standing committee on Wednesday cleared a substantial contract worth Rs 61.8 lakh. This contract is specifically designed to guarantee a consistent and reliable supply of buffalo and red meat for the carnivorous inhabitants of the renowned Byculla zoo.
Essential Nutrition for Diverse Animal Population
The Byculla zoo is home to a diverse collection of 93 mammals, 193 birds, and 55 reptiles. Among these residents, the big cats and other carnivorous species—including majestic tigers, elusive leopards, scavenging hyenas, and cunning jackals—require a regular and substantial meat supply as part of their daily dietary needs. This contract is therefore absolutely critical for the day-to-day functioning and animal welfare standards of the zoo, ensuring that all nutritional requirements are met without interruption.
Limited Competition and Contract Award Process
The tender process for this essential supply contract encountered notably limited competition, raising procedural questions. The BMC was compelled to extend the submission deadlines on three separate occasions before finally receiving just two bids. Following a technical evaluation, one bidder was disqualified on specific grounds, leaving Evernew Traders as the sole eligible and qualified contractor for the project.
Contract Duration and Financial Provisions
The approved contract is set to run for a period of 12 months, encompassing the challenging monsoon season. Funding for this initiative will be drawn directly from the zoo department's allocated budget, which has earmarked a total of Rs 1.8 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27 to cover various operational expenses. A significant clause within the contract mandates that the contractor must continue the vital meat supplies for an additional period of up to three months beyond the official contract end date, if such an extension is deemed necessary by zoo authorities.
Political Criticism and BMC's Defense
The relatively short one-year tenure of the contract immediately drew sharp criticism from political quarters. Shiv Sena corporator Yamini Jadhav voiced strong objections, stating, "Animal feed is a continuous and ongoing requirement for the zoo's inhabitants. The contract should ideally be awarded for a minimum duration of at least five years to ensure stability and better pricing." In response, BMC officials defended their decision by citing the inherent volatility and frequent fluctuations in meat market prices. They argued that a one-year contract term is "more practical and financially prudent" under the current economic conditions, allowing for periodic reviews and adjustments.
