Kolkata is on the cusp of a transformative urban development with the proposed construction of a world-class aquarium and marine museum in Alipore. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), aims to seamlessly integrate recreation with education while championing a zero-net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable blueprint. The e-auction for the sprawling 166.50 cottah land parcel at 34A, Belvedere Road, scheduled for September 2, marks a pivotal step towards realising this vision for a greener, more equitable Kolkata.
The chosen location for this aquatic marvel, an 11,137.50 square metre plot in Alipore’s KMC Ward 74, underscores its strategic importance. Positioned directly opposite the iconic Alipore Zoo and in close proximity to the National Library and Victoria Memorial, the project is poised to become a central cultural and environmental landmark. WBHIDCO’s decision to allot the plot on a freehold basis, strictly for commercial use, sets the stage for a private developer to bring this sustainable initiative to fruition. The auction’s competitive reserve price of Rs 410.26 crore, coupled with an earnest money deposit of Rs 8.21 crore, reflects the significant investment and the high expectations for a facility designed to meet international standards.
Also Watch: “Mumbai will rock, shine and always be India’s best city to live.” In an exclusive, MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS) talks about Mumbai’s enduring charm, livability, and the government’s focus on making it affordable for all
At the core of the visitor experience will be a groundbreaking 30-meter-long underwater tunnel, offering a 270-degree panoramic immersion into diverse marine ecosystems. This engineering feat promises to transport visitors into an aquatic world, fostering a deeper connection with marine life. Beyond mere spectacle, the museum will be thematically divided into distinct zones, highlighting both regional and global biodiversity. A dedicated Eastern India section will showcase species native to the region’s rivers and wetlands, promoting local ecological understanding, while a World Section will introduce rare and exotic aquatic life. A fascinating Deep Sea section, focused on bioluminescent species, will further ignite curiosity about the ocean’s uncharted depths.
The commitment to education extends to an interactive zone specifically designed for children, featuring a supervised touch tank. This hands-on engagement with select marine creatures in a controlled, safe environment aims to cultivate an early appreciation for marine biology and conservation. Furthermore, innovative features like a floating platform for observing feeding sessions of larger aquatic animals and behind-the-scenes tours of filtration systems and quarantine zones will offer unparalleled insights into the intricate care and management of marine life. These elements underscore a holistic approach to education, transparency, and fostering responsible environmental stewardship.
The facility’s design specifications reinforce its commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its inhabitants. Adhering to standards set by the Central Zoo Authority of India, the complex will incorporate central air-conditioning, advanced filtration and temperature control systems, and specially designed lighting. Crucially, a key focus will be on environmental stability, with emphasis on minimising noise, odour, and vibration to ensure a stress-free environment for the marine specimens, including a significant number of shark and ray species. This meticulous attention to detail aligns with the broader goal of creating an urban landmark that is as much a conservation space as it is an entertainment hub.
The successful bidder for this project, mandated to be a registered corporate body, trust, or consortium with a minimum average annual turnover of Rs 100 crore in the last three financial years, will embark on a five-year construction timeline, with work commencing within one year of possession. This rigorous selection process ensures that the chosen developer possesses the financial and operational capacity to deliver a project of this magnitude, one that is poised to become one of Kolkata’s most visited public attractions. The Alipore aquarium represents a forward-thinking investment in Kolkata’s future, demonstrating how urban development can harmonise with ecological responsibility, creating a facility that inspires awe, fosters education, and contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
Also Read: Air India Flight AI 2744 Skids Off Mumbai Runway Amid Rain Today
