The VMC selected Dr J H Desai as consultant after the Central Zoo Authority sent a letter to the civic body, asking it to appoint someone who can guide its officials in the construction of the new zoo.

Dr Desai has worked with the National Zoological Park in New Delhi and was a member of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA).

C B Patel, executive engineer of the zoo project, said: “His expertise will help us in the preparation of the master plan. He will not only be involved in the new zoo project, but will also help us in making the existing zoo more attractive. We will start working on the master plan soon.”

CZA’s letter is yet another reminder to the VMC to complete construction of the new zoo within the deadline, which the civic body has flouted several times. The project was conceived around 2003 and CZA had issued several warnings to the civic body to shift the existing zoo. However, the VMC has constructed only two enclosures even as over seven years have passed since the project was initiated.

While defending themselves, VMC officials maintained that the project depends on CZA grants. They said the project can move ahead only after CZA gives them the annual grants, the amount for which is not certain as CZA releases the grants for all zoos in the country. The plantation of trees is also a major criterion, the VMC officials added.

“Before we shift the animals to the new premises, we have to ensure that we create a proper environment for them,” said a VMC official.

Shankarlal Trivedi, chairman of the recreational and cultural committee at VMC, told Newsline: “We expect the project to gain momentum with the appointment of a consultant, who will be paid Rs 2.45 lakh for his services. It is true that we have been slow in executing the zoo project, but now we are anticipating that it will be completed soon.”