The headquarter of the Maharashtra Fisheries Department has been shifted from Taraporewala Aquarium to the Mittal Tower in Nariman Point, which is located opposite Mantralaya. The employees of the department have been working at the new office since 8 July.
The Taraporewala Aquarium, an iconic landmark on Marine Drive in Mumbai, has been closed to the general public since the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Moreover, the Coastal Road project has allegedly damaged the structure of the aquarium.
Furthermore, there are no current plans to revive the structure for either tourism or administrative uses. Efforts to rejuvenate the aquarium have also failed. Last year, an international tender was issued for the upgrade of the aquarium. But it did not receive any bids. This left the future of the historic place in question.
Recently, a structural audit was conducted by the Public Works Department (PWD). The structure was deemed unsafe for occupancy by the review. According to reports, the vehicles running on the upcoming coastal road would further damage the building.
The state government has not decided whether to demolish the historic building or undertake extensive renovations. The fisheries department owns the aquarium. After shifting the headquarters, their new location has impacted coordination with agencies and stakeholders.
The aquarium was constructed on land donated by Parsi philanthropist D.B. Taraporewala in 1951. In 2015, the aquarium underwent a two-year closure for an INR 22 lakh makeover. It had become a popular tourist attraction.
It also played a significant role in marine biology and conservation. It featured over 400 species of marine life. The aquarium had undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the years. It also introduced innovations like a glass tunnel and touch pools.
The Coastal Road project has faced opposition from environmentalists and fishermen. People have argued that the project will harm the marine ecosystem and disrupt livelihoods. On the other hand, the government and BMC consider the project an important infrastructure development that will alleviate traffic congestion.
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