Mumbai: Byculla zoo set to get aquarium with two walk-through tunnels

Visitors take a photo at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo. The zoo saw 4 lakh visitors in May. File pic

After the extensive response to penguins, Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo at Byculla has started the process to start an aquarium with at least 46 different species of aquatic flora and fauna.

The centre will have tanks as well as two walk through tunnels for coral fish and deep ocean species. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 45 crore and it is supposed to be completed within the next two years. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has floated tenders for the same.

The number of visitors to the zoo, also called Rani Baug, increased after its reopening with the main attractions being penguins and tigers. There were around 4 lakh visitors in May.

"The aquarium will be of international standard and it will be built in a 600-sq metre space in the Interpretation Centre building (opposite penguin gallery)," said Dr Sanjay Tripathi, director of the zoo.

The BMC is planning to bring at least 46 species of aquatic animals including fishes and corals. "Most of the species will be from our country and found in and around the Indian ocean, Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal. Some species may come from other countries also," said an official from the zoo.

Of the two acrylic walk-through tunnels, where visitors will get a close look at aquatic flora and fauna, the one for corals will be 14 metres long while that for deep ocean aquatic species will be 36 metres long. Width of both tunnels will be 2.6 metres and the height will be 2.4 metres.

Rs 45cr
Estimated cost of the project