Mumbai: BMC to plan out aquarium work on Worli dairy land

MUMBAI: Plans to set up an aquarium on Worli dairy land are moving on track. Besides an aquarium, it will also house a marine research institute and exhibition centre, Officials said.
Earlier this year, the reservation in the Development Plan (DP) shown as 'dairy' was proposed to be deleted and part of the land was reserved as 'marine research institute, aquarium, exhibition centre'. The proposal was cleared by the civic improvements committee.
BMC chief IS Chahal has appointed the director of Byculla zoo to chalk out the procedure to construct the structure, likely to be ground-plus-two storey. However, officials said the proposal is in a very nascent stage.
Chahal said the plan to have an aquarium at Byculla zoo has been cancelled. The aquarium at Byculla zoo was to be set up on a 400sqm plot. Instead, a bigger facility will be set up at Worli dairy.
A senior BMC official said, "The aquarium at Worli is expected to come up on an area spread over 11 acres. We are yet to decide on the kind of aquatic species to be brought in. Our aim is to make it into a world-class facility so that people are able to get a glimpse of an aquarium of international standards in India. A consultant will be appointed to draw out estimates and draft the initial plan based on which cost of the project will be decided." BMC is likely to seek funds for construction of from the state government.
Being close to the sea face, Worli dairy land is affected by Coastal Regulation Zone rules. Before its development, permission from the CRZ angle will be needed to be taken.