India’s next mega aquarium coming soon to Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoo

Hyderabad is all set to welcome one of India’s largest and most immersive public aquariums within the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP). With a tunnel-like walk-through in the future, this INR 50 crore initiative seeks to redefine how tourists experience marine diversity in the very heart of Telangana.Spanning approximately 4,000 square metre, the new aquarium isn’t simply another tank-lined museum. The highlight will be a tunnel walk-through attraction, providing the experience of walking under a water dome amid lively aquatic creatures. This interactive feature is intended to generate interest in ocean systems.Hyderabad currently boasts 15 small aquarium tanks with both freshwater and marine creatures, but none of them are as large or technologically sophisticated as envisaged for this new aquarium.

As officials promise, this aquarium will take the world-class experience right to the center of the city and plans to be one of the top spots for fun as well as education.

What makes this project unique in nature is its association with international marine specialists. Top companies from Singapore and Australia will join hands with Indian engineers and designers. This collaboration is certain to provide a world-class aquatic center, including specially designed climate control, lighting, and filtration systems that maintain the health and longevity of marine life.

The layout will take cues from model aquariums such as the Aquatic Gallery at Ahmedabad’s Science City and Marine World in Thrissur, Kerala. Although those aquariums are spread over larger spaces, Hyderabad’s project will focus on a compact yet engaging model.The new aquarium is going to be a living classroom. Students from schools, marine biology students, and wildlife professionals will educate visitors on aquatic ecosystems, ecological sustainability, and conservation practices.

From the glistening Amazonian arowana to the vibrant African cichlids and ghastly deep-sea fish, the aquarium will have an incredible variety of species from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Officials state that the center will also be divided into thematic regions, possibly symbolizing various aquatic ecosystems like rivers, lakes, coral reefs, and deep seas. All of the regions will include digital information boards, augmented reality equipment, and guided tours for better understanding.This large aquarium is a tourist destination, but it’s also a strategic investment in Hyderabad’s eco-tourism infrastructure. The Nehru Zoological Park has more than 1,500 animals and vast stretches of greenery. The aquarium will be another draw for the zoo, offering an air-conditioned option for hot summer and rainy-day skies.Presently, the proposal awaits clearance from the Central Zoo Authority, a stepping stone to any such large-scale zoological development in India.

After it gets cleared, detailed blueprints and timelines will be prepared, and the project work is expected to be over by 2026. The entire development is being carried out under a public-private partnership model so that it is long-term and is done with international standards.

What’s next for Nehru Zoological Park?Interestingly, the aquarium is just one of the new ventures in the works. Nehru Zoological Park is also upgrading its enclosures for wildlife. A new tiger enclosure constructed of bulletproof glass is on the cards, with INR 2 crore already approved. This 50-meter-wide enclosure will provide guests with a close-up view of tigers in complete safety.