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DNA SPECIAL: Plans afoot to privatise Taraporewala Aquarium

This, officials feel, will free the establishment from red-tapeism and enable the induction of new varieties of fish and marine life

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The Taraporewala Museum sees a daily footfall of around 2K-3K visitors
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Six years since its last renovation that cost Rs 22 crore, the iconic Taraporewala Aquarium at Marine Drive is back to square one: Fishing for ways to make it attractive to tourists. Now, the state fisheries department is looking at hiving off the nation's first aquarium's operations to a private party. This, officials feel, will free the establishment from red-tapeism and enable the induction of new varieties of fish and marine life.

In 2013, the aquarium, named after Parsi philanthropist DB Taraporewalawas shut for a makeover and re-opened in 2015 for visitors. However, despite this, tourists and officials admit that the visitors' experience is far from satisfactory due to a lack of adequate aquatic life on display, further hampered by poor maintenance.

A senior official from the state fisheries department said they had proposed privatising the operations of the aquarium, which is on the itinerary of many tourists coming to Mumbai.

"The unorganised nature of the ornamental fisheries sector means purchasing or inducting new varieties of marine life is difficult. However, private players will be able to negotiate their way around this easily since they have more liberty," he explained. 

The official added that the fisheries commissionerate had suggested that expressions of interest (EOI) be called from private players to run the operations at the aquarium.

Inaugurated in 1951, the Taraporewala aquarium currently has 16 tanks each for marine and freshwater fish and 25 others for tropical fish. It also has a three-stride long tunnel aquarium at the entrance, but the section has fewer fish and a dirty exterior that ruins the user experience. The plans for a touch pool and fish spa, that were originally intended in the makeover, were dropped.

"We see a daily footfall of around 2,000 to 3,000, depending on the day and season. Our average annual collections are over Rs 4.25 crore. Private parties who are willing to pay above this reserve price may be selected through an open bid. This will generate revenue for the government and also allow tourists to access a better variety of marine life," the official said.

Last year, the department approved the induction of more varieties of ornamental fish. The aquarium also gets fish that are accidentally caught by fishermen. However, sources admit that replacement of dead fish becomes a tough task due to the unorganised nature of the ornamental fish industry and suppliers have to comply with mandatory norms and procedures.

The official added that the private operator may also be able to undertake activities like launching a specialty fish restaurant, purchasing more fish and marine fauna for display and better publicity mechanisms. The auditorium, which has the capacity to seat 45 people, can also be put to better use by airing documentaries on the sector.

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