The Telangana government has recently announced plans to create India's largest Aquarium and aviary in Kothwalguda,Hyderabad. While the concept  may appear enticing, it is essential to consider the adverse impact associated with such establishments, on animal rights, humans and the environment.

One: Water consumption

The Aqua Marine Park requires 3 million litres of water for the overall aquarium, with the tunnel tank necessitating 2 million litres. This extensive water usage does not align well with the existing water scarcity issues in the area. This substantial amount of water could be put to more beneficial use.

Two: Animal Cruelty and Impact on Biodiversity

Majority of the animals in these facilities are directly captured from the wild, severely impacting wild populations and having grave consequences for the overall health of our planet. The Kothwalguda aquarium in question intends to confine an alarming number of 10,000 animals, including 300 species of fish, reptiles, and various marine and land-based creatures, with an annual requirement to replace ten percent of the species. Furthermore, the distress and discomfort faced by animals in captivity are significant reasons to consider.

Three: High Mortality Rate

Human-created artificial facilities like these cannot adequately cater to the well-being of animals and often result in high mortality rates. For instance, within 8 months of its inauguration, more than 25 exotic birds died in the Chandigarh park. In 2015 at the Taraporewala Aquarium in Mumbai, a recent renovation led to the demise of 2,100 fish from 228 different species within just 9 months. In another distressing incident in 2014, 12 sharks procured from Malaysia for the Surat aquarium died within an hour of being placed in the pool

At the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan, the second largest aquarium in the world, a high-speed tuna fish tragically collided head-first with the tank's wall due to being blinded by a flash, resulting in fatal bleeding and instant death. 

Four: Animal Rights recognized by the high courts and the Supreme Court of India

We would also like to draw your attention to the detrimental effects of the aviary component of the Eco Hill Park Project on bird populations and their rights. Please take into account consistent advisories issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to prohibit the keeping of birds in cages, with the most recent advisory issued in 2021. The Honourable High Court of Gujarat in 2011 emphasised that birds possess a fundamental right to live freely and should not be confined in cages.

In 2014, the Delhi High Court acknowledged the right of birds to fly and prohibited the caging of birds for commercial purposes. The Supreme Court of India, also in 2014, recognized the five fundamental rights of animals, including the right to live with dignity, and issued directives to prevent cruelty towards animals. Similarly, Touch tanks for aquatic animals are in violation of PCA Act 1972 Section 11(a), as exhibits where humans can touch these beings causes them unnecessary suffering and distress.

Five: Risk of disease

The proposed touch pools, intended for 'interactive' experiences, have the potential to spread infections among both animals and visitors, posing a significant risk. 'Touch tanks' are confined spaces where marine animals are constantly handled and disturbed by visitors, depriving them of their freedom and privacy, causing them stress and discomfort.

The solution:

For educational purposes, we can utilise technology and the power of films to educate the public about different species of animals. To encourage the appreciation of marine life, more diving courses and coastal walks could be organised. For bird enthusiasts, the government can protect more wildlife reserves and ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands and forests.

Please sign this petition to urge the government to stop this project and redirect the funds from entertainment to conservation and animal rights projects to prevent the rapid decline of our rich biodiversity and to foster appreciation and respect for animals.