STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU:The fish aquarium, subcontinent’s largest underground aquarium located near Bahu Fort is one of the hot tourist destinations here in the ‘City of Temples’. But despite attracting large number of foot falls and earning huge revenue, the concerned authorities have failed to maintain it properly.
The entrance of the aquarium which is designed as a fish mouth is losing its sheen. The exit gate which has been given the shape of fish tail is also not in good shape. At many places false ceiling has been damaged and yet to be repaired. The paint coating has been worn out from many places thus giving it a bad look. The park which attracts large number of tourists, as it gives one of the best panoramic views of the city landscape, has not been cultivated or developed properly. Ever since it was inaugurated by the former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in July 2007 the State Fisheries Department had claimed that an oceanarium, would come up in the second phase of expansion. This is yet to see the light of the day.
Aquarium is not only attracting large number of tourists but also several school children who come regularly on picnics to spend some time in the company of jewels of aquatic world. But when they visit the aquarium they come out disheartened as not many fish species are kept in the aquarium caves.
There are 24 aquarium caves, which include 13 small caves, housing freshwater fish. But over a period of time the department has failed to maintain the ornamental fish and other species as well.
The wood carving done inside the fish museum is also losing its sheen as it has been damaged by termite or on account of poor maintenance. Even the audio video aids, made available in the conference hall, are seldom put to use by the caretakers for the benefit of visitors.
