Shell out more to enter Byculla Zoo from today

Come Tuesday and Mumbaikars visiting the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale (VJB) Zoo at Byculla will have to shell out Rs 50 and Rs 25 as entry ticket fees for adult and children respectively.

The much-opposed fee hike of the zoo will be implemented from August 1, after the civic body cleared the proposal raising the entry fee for adults from the existing Rs 5 to Rs 50. However, a family of four consisting of two adults and two children will be charged a subsidised entry fee of Rs 100.

"We have made all the necessary requirements for smooth implementation of the hike and have clearly displayed the new entry rates so that visitors do not get confused. The entry fees will also cover a visit to the penguin's enclosure," said Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Director of VJB zoo.

"There was no value for those who visited the zoo as they barely paid anything. The hike is justified as there will be better infrastructure and more animal enclosures," said the official.

However, several citizens voiced their concerns saying that the BMC should not have hiked the entry fee until the zoo is fully revamped as promised.