Changing city: Work on BMC’s ambitious tunnel aquarium project at Byculla Zoo underway at a fast pace, set to open in 2027

Features of the aquarium:

The facility will primarily showcase fish species native to India, modelled after similar tunnel aquariums that are currently operational in Dubai and Singapore. BMC officials stated that the goal of the project is to popularise India’s marine ecosystem. Additionally, the bed of the aquarium will replicate the natural habitat found in the water bodies in the subcontinent. Information plates will be installed to educate visitors about the marine ecosystem.

Cost, status, timeline:

The BMC floated tenders for the project in March 2024, with work orders dispatched in May this year. The cost of the project is pegged at Rs 62 crore, and the municipal body aims to open the facility to visitors by early 2027.

New penguin facility:

Besides, the BMC is expanding the existing enclosure in Byculla Zoo for the Humboldt penguins. Currently, there are 21 penguins in the zoo, which is equipped to house a maximum of 25. The new enclosure will be augmented by 400 square feet, allowing it to house 40 penguins.

Administration speaks:

“Tunnel aquariums are popular worldwide, and our idea is to construct the same for people in Mumbai. To date, a large number of people come to the zoo to see the penguins and tiger, but once this facility becomes operational, it will be a massive crowd puller that will give visitors a unique experience. As of now, we are eyeing a 2027 opening, and the construction work is ongoing at full swing,” Dr Sanjay Tripathi, Zoo Director, told The Indian Express.

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