The Taraporewala Aquarium at Marine Drive will be reopened in a month's time as the Rs 20-crore renovation of the second-generation aquarium is almost over.
Next week, the renovated aquarium will welcome its new inhabitants, exotic fish from China, Singapore and Malaysia which are being flown in to the city. The original inhabitants of aquarium are Indian varieties of fresh water fish, tropical fish, marine animals and rare sea shells which were shifted to Versova before renovation, and will return by February 25.
MB Gaikwad, commissioner of fisheries (Mumbai), said, "The renovation of the aquarium is almost over except for some work related to the CCTV network and metal detectors. It will be opened to the public very soon."
While sources in Mantralaya said that the re-launch is slated for February 27, Gaikawad refused to confirm or deny.
The renovated Aquarium will have a mini-oceanarium at the entrance, which would be first of its kind in India. "It would be much smaller but similar to the one at the Singapore's SEA Aquarium, through which the visitors can enter the main aquarium area," said V D Shikhare.
There will also be two touch pools for children where they would be able to touch harmless marine animals like the sea urchin, sea cucumber, starfish and turtles. The tanks are now larger, fitted with 110mm flexi glass that gives better clarity, and will be lit by LED or metal halide lamps. The old filtration system has also been replaced with a modern automatic system. A fish spa housing Rufa fish which eat dead skin off the feet is also ready.
Meanwhile, the agriculture and fisheries department has hiked the entry fee for the aquarium by four-fold. As per a circular issued on Thursday, the fee is Rs 30 for kids (below 12) and Rs 60 for adults. Previously, it was Rs 10 and Rs 15 respectively.
