SRINAGAR: Jammu is set to become home to North India’s first oceanarium, a unique addition to the Aquarium Cum Awareness Centre at Bahu Fort. The oceanarium, a first-of-its-kind attraction in the region and only the third in India, is nearing completion as part of the project’s second phase. The facility will feature a glass tunnel harbouring a variety of marine fish, with a holding capacity of about 400,000 litres of water, and promises to become a major tourist destination in the Jammu region.
The project is being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) under the Smart City initiative, with an estimated budget of Rs 18.57 crore. Phase-I of the Aquarium Cum Awareness Centre, inaugurated in 2007, has already been a popular draw for tourists, showcasing over 120 fish species in 24 aqua caves, as well as a multimedia hall for educational lectures on fish culture.
During a recent visit to the site, Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, inspected the ongoing works and emphasised the need to expedite the completion of the oceanarium. He highlighted its potential to become a landmark tourist attraction, adding that the facility is expected to open within two months.
The Minister also called for the upgrading of existing structures within the Aquarium Cum Awareness Centre to enhance its appeal further. He encouraged officers to strictly adhere to guidelines for implementing fisheries schemes and urged youth to participate in the sector, which offers significant employment opportunities.
Accompanied by senior officials, including the Director of Fisheries, Abdul Majeed Tak, and Joint Directors Masood Hussain Sheikh and Gopal Krishan, the Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to developing innovative attractions like the oceanarium to boost tourism and employment in Jammu.
