Kollam to get Singapore-model oceanarium

As the State government celebrates its fourth anniversary, administrative sanction has been accorded to projects worth ₹50 crore dedicated to tourism development in the district, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said here on Friday (March 28, 2025).

Inaugurating a district-level meeting for the anniversary celebrations, he said the government is moving forward with ambitious plans. “An oceanarium, modelled on the one in Singapore, will soon be launched in Kollam district. We are also keen to capitalise on the potential of tourist marinas. These advancements are part of a broader development agenda, one that looks to the future. And to shape that future effectively, we need to hear the public and this celebratory platform will serve as a space for that crucial dialogue,” he said.

‘Ente Keralam’ expo

The Minister also stressed the importance of understanding various projects the government has implemented for the people thus far. “This knowledge will guide our vision for what’s to come. To that end, the ‘Ente Keralam’ exhibition, a marketing, awareness, and entertainment fair, being organised in connection with the anniversary will be a space open to everyone, from all sectors.”

Speaking at the event, Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchurani said that the anniversary celebration is really about highlighting the visible progress the State government has made across all sectors.

“When people truly recognise these achievements, they’ll understand just how significant the social changes created by Kerala’s progress are,” said M. Naushad, MLA.

Committee formed

The organising committee for the Ente Keralam expo was formed at the meeting with Mr. Balagopal as chairperson, Ms. Chinchurani and Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar as co-chairpersons, District Collector N. Devidas as general convener, and District Information Officer L. Hemanth Kumar as convener. The MPs, MLAs, Mayor, district panchayat president, municipal chairpersons, and district heads of various departments are members of the committee. District Collector N. Devidas, District Police Chief (Kollam City) Kiran Narayanan, Subcollector Nishant Sinhara, and Additional District Magistrate G. Nirmal Kumar also spoke at the meeting.