An oceanarium that looks to go the Sentosa way

Techno-feasibility study finds the project to be economically and technically viable

Puducherry aspires to recreate oceanarium similar to Sentosa in Singapore. (Right) A view of the land acquired by the government at Manapet for the project.— Photos: Special Arrangement, Photo: T. Singaravelou

For a city that aspires to be in many aspects like Singapore, it is a no-brainer that Sentosa would inspire an oceanarium project.

As part of the territorial government’s plans to develop a world class oceanarium at Manapet, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was told to prepare a detailed project report (DPR).

“The DPR is expected to be submitted to the Puducherry government. It will be forwarded to the Ministry of Earth Sciences for finalisation and sanction of funds and the Centre for environmental clearance. The techno-feasibility study of the project has already been completed. The study found that the project was economically and technically viable,” according to a senior official in the Tourism Department.  

The government had zeroed in on three prime locations in Puducherry to build the oceanarium. The team from NIOT visited the three places and finally selected the one at Manapet.

The government has acquired 15 acres of land close to the shore at Manapet for the oceanarium. The proposed project will be implemented by NIOT while the oceanarium would be maintained by the Tourism Department.

The government will approach the Ministry of Earth Sciences seeking funds or execute the project under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode the modalities of which need to be worked out, the official said.

The oceanarium would showcase an array of marine life and fishes, boost tourism and give a world class experience to tourists.

A delegation led by Tourism Minister P. Rajavelu had visited Singapore in 2012 to study the model and its implementation under the PPP mode in Puducherry.

The government has also proposed various activities under the PPP mode to promote tourism in Manapet. This includes a film city, International Convention Centre, amusement and theme parks and water sports. 

These are part of measures to attract a large number of foreign tourists and the administration also plans to promote eco and rural tourism and establish an arts and crafts village.