Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane Pushes Fast-Track Panvel Aquarium Development
A minister in Maharashtra named Nitesh Rane wants to build a big new aquarium and sea lion park in a place called Panvel.
He told the people in charge to work faster so they can start building it before Diwali, a big festival.
The park will have big tanks with fish from the sea and from rivers.
There will also be a tunnel where you can walk while fish swim all around you.
Kids can learn about sea animals in a special digital classroom.
There will be pools where visitors can touch some sea creatures.
The park will also have a place where sea lions perform, a snow park, and a 12-D theatre.
People can buy food and souvenirs there too.
The minister thinks many tourists will come because Panvel is close to Mumbai and the airport.
He also wants the park to be a good place for students to learn about marine life and science.
Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane directed officials to expedite the Silla Aquarium and Sea Lion Entertainment Centre project at Panvel.
Rane aims to hold the groundbreaking ceremony by Diwali and called for a review meeting after two weeks.
The centre will feature marine and freshwater aquariums, an ocean tunnel, digital learning centre, touch pools, jellyfish and coral reef displays.
Planned facilities also include a sea lion entertainment centre, amphitheatre, snow park, 12-D theatre, food outlets and souvenir shops.
Officials said Panvel's proximity to Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and the international airport is expected to attract domestic and international tourists.
- Who
- Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane, along with officials from the Tourism Department, Fisheries Department, Raigad district administration, Panvel Municipal Corporation and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth.
- What
- Fast-track development of the Silla Aquarium and Sea Lion Entertainment Centre at Panvel, with a groundbreaking ceremony targeted before Diwali.
- When
- A review meeting was held on Monday; the groundbreaking ceremony is planned by Diwali, with another review meeting scheduled after two weeks.
- Where
- Panvel, Maharashtra, India; the review meeting was held at Mantralaya.
- Why
- To combine marine education, research and tourism, attract domestic and international tourists, and generate revenue using government land.
- Project
- Silla Aquarium and Sea Lion Entertainment Centre
- Location
- Panvel, Maharashtra, India
- Minister
- Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister
- Target
- Groundbreaking ceremony by Diwali
- Key Features
- Marine and freshwater aquariums, ocean tunnel, sea lion centre, snow park, 12-D theatre
- Meeting Venue
- Mantralaya
- Next Review
- After two weeks