Panvel aquarium project may get Diwali foundation stone push. Details
Nitesh Rane asked officials to fast-track Panvel's Silla Aquarium and Sea Lion Entertainment Centre. The state sees it as a tourism, education and research hub with strong visitor potential.
Panvel could soon get a new marine tourism and education centre, with the Maharashtra government pushing to fast-track a proposed aquarium and sea lion entertainment centre. Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane reviewed the project at Mantralaya in Mumbai on Tuesday and asked officials to speed up the remaining technical and administrative work so that the foundation stone can be laid by Diwali. Planned at the fisheries sub-centre in Panvel, Raigad district, the project is being positioned as more than a tourist attraction.
It is expected to combine marine tourism, education and research, with aquariums, an ocean tunnel, marine biodiversity displays, student learning facilities and research and breeding infrastructure. Its location near Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and the Navi Mumbai airport is also being seen as an advantage for attracting visitors from India and abroad.
PANVEL AQUARIUM TO FEATURE MARINE AND FRESHWATER LIFE
The proposed Panvel aquarium will have both marine and freshwater aquariums, along with an exhibition focused on marine biodiversity.
Visitors will also be able to explore an ocean tunnel and see displays featuring jellyfish, coral reefs and other marine life.
A touch pool and a digital learning centre for students are also part of the plan.
The government intends the facility to give students practical exposure to marine biology and fisheries science, while also creating space for research.
SEA LION CENTRE, SNOW PARK AND 12-D THEATRE
The project is planned as a large visitor destination rather than a conventional aquarium.
It will include a sea lion entertainment centre, along with facilities for the care of marine mammals, training and maintenance infrastructure and an amphitheatre.
A snow park and a 12-D theatre are also proposed.
Food outlets, souvenir shops, parking areas, gardens and other visitor facilities are planned to make the centre a full-day destination.
PROJECT TO USE GOVERNMENT LAND FOR TOURISM AND RESEARCH
Rane said the project would make use of available government land in Panvel while generating opportunities in tourism, education, research and revenue.
He also pointed to the project's location close to Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, saying it could help strengthen marine tourism in Maharashtra.
The proposed Navi Mumbai airport could further improve accessibility for tourists travelling from other parts of India and abroad.
OFFICIALS ASKED TO SPEED UP WORK
At the review meeting, officials discussed the implementation of earlier decisions as well as the technical and administrative requirements for the project.
Rane directed the departments concerned to coordinate, complete the required procedures and submit a report on further action.
He also asked officials to plan for the centre's future maintenance so that its quality is maintained after completion.
A fresh review meeting has been scheduled after two weeks.
For now, the immediate target is clear: move the project forward quickly enough for the foundation stone ceremony to take place by Diwali.