A proposal of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to construct a tourist reception centre or tourism bhavan in Mumbai has remained on paper for the last four years, despite the state government sanctioning Rs 22 crore for the project in 2008.
The MTDC has still not managed to procure a suitable piece of land for the venture, in spite of approaching several authorities. MTDC officials cited shortage of land as the primary reason for the delay.
A state tourism bhavan is a one-stop solution for tourists. It brings together all stakeholders in the industry, including tourism development corporations of other states, under one roof, the officials said.
An MTDC official said, "In 2011, an estimate committee of the state government had asked the chief secretary to have the land of Taraporewala Aquarium at Mumbai's Marine Drive allotted for the tourism bhavan.
But there has been no development on this front. No proposal in this regard could be made and given to the Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries, the owners of the land, as we need written directions from the higher authorities in the state."
Similarly, MTDC officials have approached or given proposals for acquiring land to several authorities in Mumbai, including the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, among others, for about 10,000 to 12,000 square metre area for the tourism bhavan as well as the MTDC office.
The MTDC official said that land upon which the Taraporewala Aquarium stands could serve several purposes. "An international standard aquarium could be built there by revamping the current one, which is in a dilapidated condition.
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