Maharashtra CM orders extension of lease for conservation centre run by BHNS

The order came after BJP’s Mumbai unit chief met Fadnavis, and cited the pivotal role the Centre plays in wildlife conservation and environment protection.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state administration to extend the lease of plot on which Conservation Education Centre (CEC), run by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), is located at Film City in Goregaon.

Ashish Shelar and CM Devendra Fadnavis. (HT FILE)

The order came after the BJP’s Mumbai unit chief, Ashish Shelar, met Fadnavis on Sunday and sought extension citing the pivotal role CEC plays in furthering the cause of wildlife conservation and environment protection.

Shelar said the land was given to BNHS on lease in 1983 and the lease had expired recently.

“The centre has done pioneering research work in wildlife conversation. Well-known ornithologist Salim Ali spent most of his time at this institute and remains an inspiring figure for those doing research work here,” said Shelar.

Renowned as the ‘Birdman of India’ for his seminal study on birds, Salim Ali penned several books on ornithology.

Shelar said chief secretary DK Jain will hold a meeting with the office-bearers of BNHS to work out modalities of this lease extension.