India, April 21 -- The Maharashtra Urban Development (UD) Department has approved the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) proposal to convert a reserved recreation ground in Nahur, Mulund into a bird park - a first for the city since India's independence.

Spanning 17,958 sq metres, the proposed park will be developed to international standards and act as a satellite centre to the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Park and Zoo in Byculla. The park will house 206 birds from 18 regional and exotic species in themed enclosures recreating Asian, African, Australian, and American habitats.

The proposal to change the land reservation category from 'recreation ground' to 'zoo' was first initiated in January 2024 by the Director of Mumbai Zoo. The...