BANGALORE: Watching fish swim in water is known to have a calming effect on a stressed mind. This is probably why one finds many aquariums in various hospitals around. Rearing and cultivating fish have gathered a lot of momentum over the years with more and more people opting for fish tanks in their homes and surroundings.The popular government aquarium on Kasturba Road has been around for many years now. Established in 1983, it enjoys the status of being the second largest aquarium in the country which is run and owned by the government of Karnataka. However, the aquarium’s pristine reputation seems to be taking a bashing. From the looks of it, seems as though the first and second floor space allotted for the display of the beautiful fish are hardly being maintained.While the brown panelling gives a good contrast to the turquoise blue aquariums, there is a lot more than can be done to improve the present state of the aquarium. Contradicting the official’s claims at the aquarium, the fish tanks display a scarce number of fishes. Unfortunately there are no exotic breeds to look forward to either. “If one goes to a nearby aquarium shop, on will probably find more species of fish there,” said Jaya a visitor. Even the entrances is in a deplorable state. The premise lacks a fencing wall. Metallic railing that were meant to be placed near the entrance to act as a intermediate fencing have been neatly stacked and placed inside the office. According to the Narayana the care taker of the aquarium, the original boundary wall was destroyed during the road widening that was to taking place on Kasturba Road. To make matters worse, the area looks like it has not been swept in days together. The administrative office which is on the first floor is not being utilised well. The original purpose of the office was to advocate sales to the general public. While the sales are still taking place, the authorities at the aquarium have also turned a portion of this office into a store house.Another disheartening aspect of this aquarium is the number of power-cuts it faces during the day. As there is hardly any natural light on the first and second floor of the aquarium, it becomes pitch dark during a power cut. The aquarium receives Rs. 6 lakh per annum for the maintenance, but from the looks of it either the funds are not adequate or they are not being put to use wisely.When City Express spoke with Naryana K, the caretaker of the aquarium he said that there are plans to replace the current generator which is over two decades old and bring in a new one. He also said that once the power problems are sorted out, the general maintenance of the place will also improve.
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