Public aquarium set for Indian debut

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The National Capital Region (NCR) is all set to get a one of its kind public aquarium at Greater Noida. The Blue Planet, to be built on the lines of international masterpieces like Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium, Dubai's Mall Aquarium and Japan's Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, will be spread over a carpet area of approximately 100000 square feet and is being built by Delhi-based Bhasin Group, in collaboration with Singapore based leisure and tourism attraction company, Andover Leisure Pvt Limited.

The Blue Planet is set to be one of the major attractions of the 3 million square feet mega tourist complex that would house a mall, multiplex, a 5 star hotel and retail shops. Built at a whopping Rs.750 crore, it is projected to be a sought-after tourist destination, displaying real-life aquatic marvels.

Speaking about the project, SS Bhasin, Managing Director, Bhasin Group said, "Whether the marine species in Rift Valley lakes of Africa or the life underwater in the cascading River Ganges in the deltaic Sundarbans, at the Blue Planet, people will get to see a geographically distinct eco-system including flora and fauna of a particular water body anywhere in the world which includes aquatic wonders such as sharks, penguins, walrus, octopus and dolphins."

The major exhibits will include huge seawater tanks for large marine life like sharks, lionfish and others. The shark exhibit has recreational boating at the top. These boats will have transparent bottoms to look through downwards into the water.

Talking about the thematic concept of the aquarium, Sindu Zhang Huihan, President, Andover Group said, "Many of the exhibits will follow a combination of terrestrial and oceanic themes. Along with this, exhibits carry a particular geographical theme that is both educational and recreative in its function to visitors without compromising on aesthetics."

The state of the art aquarium, a first of its kind in India, will also have a 6 meter deep tank with a transparent window for mermaid shows at specified times. Trained personnel, dressed as mermaids or mermen will enthrall the visitors with choreographed underwater pyrotechnics in combination with music and light.

The aquarium will be open to public in next three to four months. (ANI)