Maharashtra: Panvel To Get Sea Lion Aquarium

The Maharashtra government is planning to set up a Silla Aquarium Sea Lion Education centre at Panvel near Mumbai, with the state targeting a Diwali foundation stone laying ceremony. The project is envisioned to feature exhibits showcasing diverse marine and freshwater aquatic life, a state-of-the-art aquarium based on modern technology, and attractions designed to attract – such as ‘Sea Lion Shows.’

The key attractions of the project are a dedicated sea lion entertainment centre, marine and freshwater aquariums, an ocean tunnel, a touch pool, and marine biodiversity displays like jellyfish and coral reefs. In addition to this, it will also have a snow park, a 12-D theatre, marine mammal breeding infrastructure and a digital learning centre for students.

The sea lions are likely to be the biggest marine attraction in Mumbai after the Humboldt Penguins, which were brought from South Korea in July 2016. The penguins at the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Garden and Zoo at Byculla, run by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), draw thousands of tourists every year.

Sea lions are sleek amphibious marine mammals known for their intelligence, loud barking and playful, agile nature. They are members of the pinniped group (which also includes true seals and walruses) and specifically belong to the family Otariidae, also known as ‘eared seals.’ Unlike true seals, they have external ear flaps and large, powerful front flippers. They can rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to walk or run efficiently on land.

To expedite the project, Maharashtra Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane on Tuesday directed officials to speed up their preparations for laying its foundation stone by Diwali.

“The project concept is well planned and it is important from the tourism perspective. Plan the work so that the foundation stone is laid by Diwali by expediting further action,” Rane said during a review meeting held at Mantralaya, the state headquarters.

The land required for this project would be made available through the Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (Agricultural University) at the site of its fisheries sub-centre in Panvel. The location offers access to both fresh and saline water sources.

Rane said the project would make effective use of available government land in Panvel for tourism, education, research and revenue generation. He said its location near Mumbai and Navi Mumbai could help boost marine tourism in the state.

The project’s proximity to the Navi Mumbai airport could help attract tourists from India and abroad while making the facility useful for students, he said.