India, Aug. 6 -- Mayor Ritu Tawde ordered the cancellation of a Rs.2.9-crore tender for major upgrades to the premises around her official residence at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla following a massive backlash from opposition parties. The proposed work drew sharp criticism as it came soon after a major overhaul of the 6,000-sq ft heritage bungalow. The controversial tender was withdrawn by the civic administration on Wednesday evening.

The work included installing bio-absorbent noise barrier panels along ES Patanwala Road; re-laying interlocking paver blocks after laying sewer, storm-water drain and utility lines; constructing underground and overhead water tanks; setting up a container-based conferenc...