Proposal for Acqua Marine Park receives overwhelming response: Reddy

Proposal for Acqua Marine Park receives overwhelming response: Reddy

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, June 18:  G. Janardhan Reddy, the state tourism minister, told reporters that the request for proposal (RFP) for the Acqua Marine Park in Mangalore has received an overwhelming response. He had arrived in Bangalore to inaugurate the new office premises of the state-owned Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd. 

The minister further informed that the state government has received a proposal to invest more than Rs. 2,200 crore for activities such as the proposed Acqua Marine Park in Mangalore. A Malaysian company is ready to invest Rs 4,500 crore for the setting up of an integrated tourism project in Mangalore and its surrounding areas. The tourism department has instructed the company to submit a comprehensive project report, he said. 

Co-founder of Strada Architects and Consultants Ravindra Kumar proposed the project “Connectivity-enabled integrated development for Mangalore City,” in alignment with the Mangalore City Vision 2025 plan on behalf of a yet-to-be-named consortium. It includes the building of tram or ropeway facility with 10 major stations between the tourist destinations of Mangalore, facilitating faster movement of vehicles. The proposal also seeks to develop Mangalore Marine Bay, which includes a convention centre, an aquamarine park, a water-based park, an entertainment/theme park, laser shows, and sound and light shows, to mention a few. 

Reviewing the presentation, Mr. Reddy said that the state government has requested the company to submit a proposal. 

The minister also told reporters that the state-owned Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd., which is engaged in promoting eco-tourism, adventure tourism, wildlife tourism, and outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, white water rafting, and fishing has acquired international attention. Currently, there are 12 such resorts all over Karnataka; and the government plans to invest Rs 30 crore in adding 7 more resorts. The minister said that the central government has released Rs 24 crore and the balance will be borne by the state.