Mumbai, June 1 (IANS) Penguins and seals brought from the Antarctic and Arctic regions and dolphins from the Arabian Sea shall be some of the highlights of an ambitious Rs.5.09 billion exotic sea world proposed to be set up on Maharashtra’s picturesque Konkan coast, an official said Wednesday.
‘A technical and commercial feasibility report on the entire project, covering environmental aspects has been received by the Maharashtra government. We shall now take it ahead from here,’ said an official from the state tourism ministry.
The feasibility report was submitted to Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal here this evening, the official said.
Though the time-frame for implementing the project has not been decided, the official said that a decision would be taken soon.
While the entire Konkan coast – between Mumbai and Goa – has been found suitable for implementing the mega-project, the official said that the tentative location could be Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district, bordering Goa.
‘The project would immensely boost tourism to the Konkan region and attract tourists from both Mumbai and Goa,’ Bhujbal said, accepting the feasibility report from Jagdale.
The other highlights of the proposed undersea and surface project include glass-bottomed boats to enable tourists view the thrilling undersea life in the crystal clear waters of the Konkan and whales and other exotic sea creatures in glass compartments on land.
‘Besides, there will be adequate arrangements for tourists like hotels, restaurants, amusement resorts, entertainment and other facilities to make it a memorable experience,’ Bhujbal said.
The Sea World project, which will be inspired by similar ones existing in places like Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, will be a major step forward for the Konkan region, rich in natural resources, but backward in terms of development.
