Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has directed officials to accelerate the proposed Silla Aquarium and Sea Lion Entertainment Centre in Panvel, with the administration aiming to hold the project’s groundbreaking ceremony before Diwali.
Rane chaired a review meeting at Mantralaya on Monday to assess the progress of the proposed marine tourism and education facility. He instructed the departments concerned to expedite technical clearances, administrative procedures and other requirements needed to move the project forward.
The proposed centre is planned as a major attraction combining marine education, research and tourism. The project will feature marine and freshwater aquariums, exhibitions on marine biodiversity, an ocean tunnel, digital learning facilities, touch pools and displays featuring jellyfish and coral reefs.
Facilities for research and breeding of marine organisms are also proposed. The development will additionally include a sea lion entertainment centre and facilities for the care and management of marine mammals, along with a training and maintenance centre.
Other attractions planned at the site include an amphitheatre, snow park and 12-D theatre. Visitor amenities such as food outlets, souvenir shops, parking areas and landscaped gardens are also part of the proposal.
Officials said the project would utilise government land in Panvel for tourism, education, research and revenue generation. Its location near Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and the international airport is expected to make it accessible to domestic and international visitors.
“The concept of the project is well planned and it is important from the tourism perspective. Planning should be undertaken to expedite the next stage of work so that the groundbreaking ceremony can be held by Diwali,” Rane said.
He directed officials to convene another review meeting after two weeks and submit an update on the progress achieved. Rane also stressed the need for maintaining high standards in the project and asked officials to prepare a long-term maintenance plan alongside its development.
Representatives from the Tourism Department, Fisheries Department, Raigad district administration, Panvel Municipal Corporation and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth attended the meeting. Departments were instructed to coordinate closely and complete pending technical and administrative processes.
Source: The Free Press Journal
