Oceanarium at Mahabs; Fisheries dept calls for tenders

The ‘Request for Qualification’ issued by the department stated that the facility would come up in an expanse of 13.07 acres of land, which is in the possession of the government and doesn’t require any resettlement issue. 

The 2013 statistics available with the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) revealed that the tourists footfalls in Mamallapuram stood at 45 lakh, of which 5 lakh were foreign tourists. The document boasts of having the potential to tap one-third of the tourist footfalls to Mamallapuram for the planned oceanarium and thereby to become a major revenue spinner. 

Apart from its commercial interests, the project would involve universities and marine biology research centres to undertake research projects in collaboration with similar reputed centres around the globe. Detailing the uniqueness of the project, the document said, “The submerged winding acrylic tunnel, which takes the public on a fascinating tour with views in all directions will create an impression of walking on the seabed. 

Once in, the visitor becomes part of the marine environment. The meticulously created Oceanarium will have thousands of marine species, collected from the oceans, acclimatised and which will move amid corals and reef just like they are in their natural habitat.” 

Of the 13.07 acres of land earmarked, the expanse of 6.53 acres falls within 200 metres from High Tide Line and balance 6.54 acres fall between 200 – 500 metres from High Tide Line. 

Only 6.54 acres can be used for the construction of the oceanarium and the rest of 6.53 acres may be used for the purpose for which no permanent construction is required – this parcel of land would be used for fish stocking, game fishing, laser show, Amphitheatre and Turtle park, etc that do not require civil constructions above the ground. 

A special effect multimedia theatre with a capacity to seat 300 persons for showing wonders of the ocean and other marine based educational movies in partnership with National Geography and Discovery Channels for regular adventurous shows, also figure in the project.