Over three years ago, the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) closed down the only public aquarium on the beach here for renovation. Though promises were made on the timely reopening of the facility, which used to attract a large number of tourists with its striking collection of freshwater fishes, nothing has materialised so far, much to the disappointment of the local residents and tourists.
The aquarium had been functioning from a 10-cent facility leased out from the city Corporation.
The DTPC had given the contract for renovation to the Small Industries Development Corporation (SIDCO) in April 2012 and the SIDCO sublet the contract for electrical and civil work, including restoration of the crumbling structure, constructing compound wall and painting work, to private contractors. Though the renovation work was expected to be completed in a year’s time, it was delayed indefinitely.
At last, District Collector C.A. Latha issued an ultimatum to the SIDCO authorities to hand over the structure with or without completing the works in August 2013. The SIDCO, however, could finish the work and handover the structure only after several months of that.
Marine aquariumIn the meanwhile, the DTPC looked into the possibility of altering the facility into a marine aquarium with sea fishes instead of keeping freshwater fishes.
The District Collector, who had earlier served as the Director of Fisheries, was said to have been of the opinion that marine fishes would be more suitable for the public aquarium as they would evoke more enthusiasm among the public for their rarity. Some private agencies from Kochi had reportedly held discussions with Ms. Latha regarding this. However, the plan was dropped later.
Now, the DTPC seems to be undecided on what to do with the renovated facility. When contacted, Ms. Latha said that nothing had been decided about the aquarium. The wait of the residents of the city and tourists for the reopening of the aquarium continues indefinitely.
