World class underwater aquarium to open in Chennai

Chennai, Aug 8 (UNI) India's first-ever and fascinating underwater aquarium class would be set up by the VGP Group at an investment of 25 million US Dollar (USD) with technical know-how from Australia.

Talking to reporters here last evening, VGP Group Chairman V G Santhosam said the prestigious project would come up on a three-acre area adjacent to the VGP Golden Beach and Amusement Park on the East Coast Road.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to this effect here today between Australia-based VDM Group Director Clive Bradshaw and Dr Santhosam in the presence of Consul General of Australia Aminur Rahman.

Under the MoU, VDM would provide technical know-how, including design, for the project which was expected to be completed in three to four months time.

Mr Bradshaw said he would also look at funding from the Australian Government for the project.

The state-of-the-art facility includes setting up of an Underground Tunnel Aquarium, Amphi Theatre, Food Courts and a Marine Bio-technology Research Centre.

The underwater tunnel,with a moving walkway, would go up to a distance of 45 to 50 metre.

The aquarium would feature more than 2,000 marine species from across the world with touch pools where visitors could touch and feel.

The project will tap groundwater and process it to simulate the natural habitat.

Observing the State was witnessing a momentum shift in attracting investments due to the proactive policies of the DMK Government headed by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, he said the hi-tech under water aquarium was yet another step in this direction.

The proposed ''See thro'' underwater aquarium would offer an unique under the sea bed experience.

Visitors walking through the walkway through the submerged acrylic tunnel could experience some close encounters with various types of fish.

Mr Santhosam said once the design was ready, the project would take off. ''It will take nearly two-and-a-half years to complete the project,'' he added.

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