State government keen on reviving marine life project

After various failed attempts, the government is once again examining the possibility of setting up ‘sea world’, a state-of-the-art oceanarium in the state.

After various failed attempts, the government is once again examining the possibility of setting up ‘sea world’, a state-of-the-art oceanarium in the state.

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A techno commercial feasibility study to set up such a project in the Konkan region was presented to tourism minister, Chhagan Bhujbal on Wednesday at the state secretariat.

The project envisages a marine project that includes a glass tunnel walkway to view aquatic species, dolphin shows, gigantic glass enclosures to exhibit rare marine life, boats with glass bases that allows for tourist viewing and underwater integrated video shooting technology.

The feasibility report, presented by Dr Rajendra Jagdale, director general of Science and Technology Park, a non-profit autonomous institute set up by the department of science (under the Central government), has estimated the cost of the project at Rs509 crore.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation had signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute to present this feasibility report.

After the presentation, Bhujbal said that the project would require 200 acres of land and should be accessible from Mumbai and Goa to enable maximum tourists visit it.

Ticket prices should be reasonable, the tourism minister added.

“The site has not yet been finalised. We will examine it to see how to it can be implemented,’’ Bhujbal said.

The report states that if 10,000 tourists visit the museum each month, the project can be commercially viable. The project will include an amusement park, mini theatre, food plazas and hotels.