Despite spending crores, maintenance at the Aquatics Gallery in Science City, Ahmedabad remains inadequate, with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) flagging major irregularities. The audit found that several tanks meant for fish and aquatic species are lying empty, even as a Rs. 7 crore penalty imposed on the contractor for poor upkeep has largely gone unrecovered.
According to the report, the gallery—popular among visitors for its display of exotic fish, octopus, and other aquatic life—houses 68 tanks built at a cost of Rs. 257 crore. At the time of its inauguration in 2021, the contractor was assigned a 60-month maintenance contract, which included the responsibility of replacing dead aquatic species.
However, inspections revealed serious lapses. Many tanks had fewer fish than required, some were completely empty, and others had inadequate water levels. Species such as stonefish, moon jellyfish, and spotted jellyfish had died but were not replaced as mandated.
While authorities imposed a Rs. 7 crore penalty for these deficiencies, the Gujarat Council of Science City chose to recover only Rs. 1 lakh, raising significant concerns over accountability and oversight.