One of India’s largest aquariums has just opened at Bhagwan Birsa Biological Park in Ranchi, capital of the state of Jharkhand.
The Rs 3.64 crore ($825,000/€728,000) Ranchi Aquarium showcases more than 1,600 fish of 120 species. Spread over 936 square metres, an array of herbivore, carnivore, omnivore and scavenger fish are on display in 58 tanks. Besides Indian breeds, rare and popular species have been brought in from Bangkok, Malaysia and Singapore. Deadly fish such as Piranha and Alligator Gar and eye-catching Angelfish, Cichlid and Parrotfish are expected to be among the most popular with visitors.
The concrete shell of the aquarium building was constructed in 2005 but was not completed due to ‘alleged’ bureaucratic hurdles, writes the Hindustan Times. In 2008, tenders were invited to complete the project. Eventually Mumbai-based agency Utekar Fisheries accepted the challenge.
An ecological park will be constructed alongside the zoo, known locally as Birsa Zoo, at a later date.
Entry to the aquarium is priced at Rs 30 ($0.46.€041) for adults and half that for children.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/ranchi/birsa-zoo-aquarium-all-set-for-opening-finally/story-BvEFl2IzQQDy02NU7m27gN.html