NVI Correspondent
Jammu, Dec 31(NVI) Bahu Fort Aquarium cum Oceanarium to become prime tourist atttraction in Jammu: Minister Javed Dar, has expressed confidence that the Bahu Fort Aquarium Cum Oceanarium will soon emerge as one of the top tourist attractions in the Jammu region.
He made these remarks during his visit to the Aquarium Cum Awareness Centre at Bahu Fort to review the progress of work on Phase-II of the project.
The Minister was briefed that the Aquarium Cum Awareness Centre project is being executed in two phases, with Phase-II works currently underway under the Public Works Department (PWD) through Smart City Limited, at an estimated cost of Rs 18.57 crores.
Highlighting the significance of the Oceanarium, Dar stated that it would be a first-of-its-kind facility in North India and the third such project in the country. The Oceanarium will feature a glass tunnel housing various marine fish species, with a holding capacity of approximately 400,000 liters of water. He emphasized that the facility will not only be a major attraction but also a key element in the development of the region’s tourism sector.
“The Oceanarium at Bahu Fort will be a game-changer for tourism, offering a unique experience to visitors,” said Dar, stressing the need for expediting the work to ensure its timely completion.
Additionally, the Minister instructed for the upgradation and facelift of existing structures at the site, aiming for completion before the Oceanarium opens. He also directed department officials to ensure the implementation of private sector schemes in strict adherence to guidelines and achieve targets within the set timelines.
Dar emphasized the vast employment potential in the Fisheries sector and urged local youth to take advantage of the schemes offered by the department. He called for a focused effort to expand fish culture initiatives and cover as many beneficiaries as possible.
During the inspection, the Minister was informed that the technical work on the Oceanarium is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed within two months. The Phase-I of the project, which opened in 2007, has already attracted a steady stream of visitors. The center features a Multimedia Hall where educational lectures on fish culture are conducted, and 24 Aqua-caves displaying over 120 species of fish.
The Minister was accompanied by Director Fisheries Abdul Majeed Tak, Joint Director Fisheries (Central) Jammu Masood Hussain Sheikh, Joint Director Fisheries (Chenab Valley) Jammu Gopal Krishan, and other senior officials from the department.(News Vibes of India)
