The Kerala government is planning to develop an oceanarium spread over 50 acres at Puduvypeen island in Kochi on PPP basis with an investment of around Rs 500 crore. The oceanarium, to be launched by 2010, is expected to be the largest in Southeast Asia. The main aim of the project is to promote fisheries tourism.
The state Fisheries Resource Management Society (Firma) has been appointed as nodal agency. “Tenders for appointment of a consultant will be called this month,” said a Firma official. “Since there is not enough expertise in India to carry out the project, appointment of a foreign expert is expected, ” he added. The state government and the Union ministry of earth sciences will hold 49 per cent stake, and the remaining 51 per cent will be allocated to private parties.
The state government has allotted 50 acres to Kerala State Fisheries Department of which 10 acres will be allocated to the Centre for the proposed marine living resources and ecology centre. A convention centre and an amphitheatre will also be part of the project, along with space for events and cafeteria.
The oceanarium will be most technically advanced with a 250-metre glass tunnel passing through the sea. A dolphinarium and a general aquarium is also planned to showcase diversity of marine life.
Source : www.projectsmonitor.com
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