‘Oceanarium’ projects coming up to lure international tourists to shore temple.
Picture for representational purpose only.
Chennai: A sheltered walkway and water promenade, marine heritage pavilion, shark tank and herbarium are among the various features that would figure in the oceanarium, coming up at Mamallapuram, the 7th century port town of the Pallavas, near here.
The main pavilion consisting of aquarium alley, aqua terrarium, lagoon and tunnel is also being envisaged in this project coming up on 15 acres of land belonging to the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation, located at 55 km from here.
Mahabalipuram is also readying up for another major attraction viz. the maritime museum being established by the TTDC using the decommissioned INS Vagli submarine. These two projects, it is said, will lure more tourists to this international destination famous for the shore temple.
The project being set up by the TTDC with technical assistance of state Fisheries Department under Public Private Partnership basis, will highlight the marine resources in the state and create awareness on the marine environment and biodiversity besides promoting tourism in a big way.
The Rs 250 crore oceanarium project was announced by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, recently, and accordingly a feasibility study has been taken up.
The study also includes studying various successful oceanarium in the world and render it economically viable.
An attractive façade at the main entrance, apart, it will have restaurant and underwater vision.
According to sources, it has been planned to establish pedestrian walkways, signage, parking facilities, infrastructure for differently abled persons, display arena and protection from storm surges during cyclones.
The design would incorporate provision for life support system like air, water, food, besides illumination such as actinic, incandescent light and metal halide.
( Source : dc )
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