(a) the likely time by which the marine aquarium at Digha in Midnapore district of West Bengal is likely to start functioning; and
(b) the reasons for the abnormal delay of 4 to 5 years for the commissioning of this Project?
(a) the likely time by which the marine aquarium at Digha in Midnapore district of West Bengal is likely to start functioning; and
(b) the reasons for the abnormal delay of 4 to 5 years for the commissioning of this Project?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS
(SHRI BABU LAL MARANDI)
(a) The Marine Aquarium and Research Centre, Digha, Midnapore, comprises a Research Wing and an Aquarium. The Research Wing of the Centre is already functional. The Marine Aquarium is likely to be functional before the end of the year 2001, as per present schedule.
(b) The abnormal delay in the opening of the Aquarium for the public has taken place due to litigation by the contractor to whom the work of furnishing of the Aquarium was entrusted.