Coronavirus cases in the city of Mumbai are increasing and observing the same, the state government along with the local administration has imposed a strict lockdown to contain the spread. Due to these restrictions, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to keep the Byculla-based Veer Mata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo (Rani Bagh) closed till April 30.
Although Ranibagh will remain closed, renovation work in the premises will continue, said Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, the director of the park and zoo.
The first COVID-19 lockdown was announced in March 2020, and since then, until February 14, 2021, the Rani Bagh was closed for tourists. However, with a reduction in the number of cases, officials at the zoo decided to reopen the same for the public from February 15, 2021. But the park has once again been closed for almost a month now as the COVID-19 tally is on a rise.
Keeping the renovation in mind, the employees at the park have been asked to attend work regularly, to ensure smooth operations. During the renovation, the authorities will focus to work on various bird cages which as per reports, is expected to be completed within a month. The park and zoo be beautified as it is one of the popular attractions for tourists, said Dr. Tripathi said.
Before the lockdown, the number of tourists visiting the park was over 12,000 on the weekends and holidays. However, last Sunday, more than 3,00 tourists had come to Rani Bagh, and it is said that the number has come down from over 1.8 lakh to one lakh. Furthermore, the park, from February 15 to March 15, 2021, has collected only INR 41 lakh.
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