A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by the Maharashtra government and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for transfer of land in Aarey Colony for a zoo. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party controls the civic body, and forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar were present on the occasion.

With the signing of the memorandum, the government handed over more than 100 acres of land at Arey Colony in suburban Goregaon to the BMC for developing an international- standard zoo, which will be an extension of the existing Byculla Zoo in central Mumbai.

Thackeray said it was a proud moment for the city, and mentioned that the MoU was signed on World Environment Day. Environmental activist Stalin D demanded that Aarey Milk Colony be declared a reserve forest and merged with the neighbouring Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).

Did You Know?

• The International Day of Forests is observed on March 21 every year. 2019 Theme is Forests and Education.
• World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June every year. This year, the theme is ‘Air Pollution’.