State Cabinet clears aquarium and digital zoo projects under PPP model in Bengaluru.
BENGALURU
The Karnataka Cabinet approved the development of a state-of-the-art public aquarium at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) in Bengaluru under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project is expected to emerge as a major tourist attraction and enhance environmental awareness among visitors.
According to officials, administrative approval has been granted for implementing the Public Aquarium Development Project on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis for a period of 30 years. The aquarium project will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 144.40 crore.
The proposed aquarium will come up adjacent to the existing zoo complex inside Bannerghatta Biological Park and will spread across nearly 7.5 acres. Authorities said the facility will feature a wide range of aquatic ecosystems, including freshwater, marine and saltwater species. Live exhibits and interactive displays are also planned as part of the project to provide visitors with an immersive experience.
Officials stated that the aquarium aims to promote awareness about marine biodiversity and conservation through educational and recreational exhibits. The project is expected to attract tourists, students and wildlife enthusiasts from across the country.
In another major decision, the Cabinet also approved the implementation of the Immersive Room and Digital Zoo Guide projects at Sri Chamarajendra Zoo in Mysuru and Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. The projects will also be developed under the PPP model at an estimated cost of Rs 44.62 crore for Mysuru Zoo and Rs 35.22 crore for Bannerghatta Park.
Sri Chamarajendra Zoo, one of India’s oldest zoological institutions, and Bannerghatta Biological Park house several endemic and exotic species and conduct conservation and educational programmes throughout the year. The new technology-driven initiatives are aimed at strengthening environmental education and improving visitor engagement.
The immersive wildlife room will provide visitors with a 270° to 360° projection-based experience featuring India’s biodiversity, wildlife habitats and conservation themes. The facility will include multilingual audio support and thematic visual content designed especially for students, families and tourists.
Meanwhile, the Digital Zoo Guide will function as a QR code-based browser-accessible platform, eliminating the need for a separate mobile application. The platform will provide live navigation assistance, educational information about animal enclosures, multilingual narration, conservation-related content and augmented reality experiences for visitors.
