Fifth Tender Call for ₹7-Crore Biodiversity Museum Project at Keeriparai, Kanniyakumari

Introduction

The Biodiversity Museum and Conservation Centre project, planned for Keeriparai within the district of Kanniyakumari, is one of the flagship programs launched in 2022 by the Honourable Chief Minister, Mr M.K. Stalin. Originally proposed to be located in the Tirunelveli district, the biodiversity museum and conservation centre underwent several changes in location, first to Kakkachi and then to Manimuthar, before finally being settled in Keeriparai due to a delay in land identification. 

The meticulously planned tender process has encountered repeated delays and, despite multiple rounds, has failed to attract a single bidder. The proposed centre is a specially conservation campus which showcases the overwhelming biodiversity of the adjacent natural rubber estates and the Western Ghats. Architecture drew its inspiration from Mycena Chlorophos, a newly discovered bioluminescent species of fungus discovered in the Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary in 2023. The centre expects to cover a gross floor area of 29,935 square meters and a budget of approximately ₹7 crores to give visitors the best possible ecological and educational experiences.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for This Tender

The tender for the planned Biodiversity Museum and Conservation Centre at Keeriparai is available to a broad spectrum of qualified parties with relevant experience and credentials. Prospective applicants are required to exhibit technical qualifications and regulatory compliance in order to be deemed eligible. The following groups of professionals and agencies are invited to apply:

1. Eligible Entities

• Registered contractors with a background in delivering government infrastructure works, especially for public buildings, cultural complexes, or environmental infrastructure.
• Conservation architecture firms that specialise in sustainable design and nature-based infrastructure.
• Construction firms with a track record for eco-sensitive development, museum building, or interpretation centres.
• Developers and consultancies with activities in eco-tourism, biodiversity conservation, or heritage site development.
• Joint ventures or consortia involving technical, architectural, and environmental proficiency can also be entertained, subject to the terms of eligibility.

2. Registration and Compliance

• Applicants need to be registered under the respective government categories, i.e.,:
• Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD)
• Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
• State or national-level contractor registers
• Respective municipal or environmental authorities
• They also need to meet all the statutory requirements, including:
• Valid GST registration
• PAN and TAN documents
• Labour welfare and safety certifications
• Environmental clearance, if necessary

3. Technical Capability

• The applicants should prove that they can execute a project of such size and complexity. These include:
• Experience in executing projects of ₹5 crore and more
• Presence of skilled engineers, architects, and site supervisors
• Access to suitable construction equipment and materials
• Ability to meet timeline and quality requirements as specified in the tender notice

4. Preferred Experience

• Although the tender is available to all interested bidders, preference could be accorded to those with:
• Previous experience in ecologically friendly construction, such as the application of green materials and energy-efficient design
• Experience in projects around environmental interpretation structures, such as nature centres, biodiversity parks, or educational museums
• Knowledge of topography akin to Keeriparai, such as forest border or ecologically sensitive areas
• Proven knowledge of long-term operational sustainability, such as visitor interaction and maintenance strategy

5. Ethical and Financial Standing

Applicants should have a clean track record with no record of blacklisting or legal litigations for government contracts. Applicants with sound financial health and the capacity to mobilise funds promptly will be favoured on evaluation.

How to Apply

• The Tamil Nadu government’s official e-tender portal is where qualified organisations can submit their applications. The tender is still open for new applications and has already had four floats. To apply, go to the e-tender website and enter the special tender ID for the Biodiversity Museum and Conservation Centre in Keeriparai.
• The tender document, which includes project details, eligibility requirements, schedules, and financial considerations, can be downloaded.
• Send in the filled-out bid form and all required paperwork, such as financial bids, technical bids, and proof of eligibility.
• Make sure to submit before the deadline. Applications that are not complete or submitted after the deadline will be disqualified.
• Applicants can contact the department listed in the contact information in the tender notice for more information.

Project Challenges and Considerations

• Although the project has been administratively supported and budget-friendly, there are some challenges. These are:
• Feasibility of construction on a forest-fringing landscape
• Sustainability of the centre over a long period, particularly in terms of consistent footfall
• Limited priority on conservation activities, which could be strengthened to align with the core purposes of the centre
• One would reasonably expect an institution such as the department to recognise these issues and be receptive to innovative ideas that ensure any proposed work is ecologically defensible and operationally sustainable. 

The Biodiversity Museum and Conservation Centre at Keeriparai could contribute to Tamil Nadu’s already significant engagement in environmental education and conservation. The centre can become a landmark in the Western Ghats in view of its unique design and environmental considerations. Eligible bidders are invited to submit their bids and thus be part of delivering this important initiative. For updates and the latest information, kindly visit the official e-tender portal of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the Biodiversity Museum and Conservation Centre?

The centre is designed to serve as a conservation and education hub, showcasing the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the surrounding natural rubber plantations. It aims to offer visitors an immersive experience through interpretation facilities and ecological exhibits, with architectural inspiration drawn from the bioluminescent mushroom Mycena Chlorophos, discovered in the Kanniyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Where will the centre be located?

The project will be established at Keeriparai in Kanniyakumari district. It was originally proposed for the Tirunelveli district but was relocated due to delays in land identification.

3. What is the estimated cost and size of the project?

The proposed budget for the centre is ₹7 crore. The total area allocated for development is approximately 29,935 square metres.

4. Who is eligible to apply for this tender?

The tender is open to registered contractors, architectural firms, construction companies, developers, and consultancies with experience in public infrastructure, museum construction, conservation architecture, or eco-tourism projects. Joint ventures or consortia with combined expertise may also apply.

5. What registration and compliance documents are required?

Applicants must be registered under recognised government categories such as PWD, CPWD, or other relevant authorities. Required documentation includes:

• Valid GST registration
• PAN and TAN details
• Labour welfare and safety certifications
• Environmental clearance, if applicable

6. What technical capacity must applicants demonstrate?

Applicants must show experience in managing projects of ₹5 crore or above, have qualified personnel (engineers, architects, supervisors), access to suitable equipment, and the ability to meet project timelines and quality standards.

7. Is prior experience in similar projects preferred?

Yes. Preference may be given to bidders with experience in sustainable construction, environmental interpretation facilities, and projects in forest-adjacent or ecologically sensitive areas. An understanding of long-term operational sustainability is also valued.

8. How can interested parties apply for the tender?

Applications must be submitted through the Tamil Nadu government’s official e-tender portal. Steps include:

• Searching for the relevant tender ID
• Downloading the tender documents
• Preparing and submitting the bid with all required documentation
• Ensuring submission before the stated deadline

9. Has the tender been floated before?

Yes. The tender has been floated four times previously, but did not receive sufficient response. It remains open for fresh applications.

10. What challenges does the project face?

Key challenges include construction feasibility in forest terrain, attracting consistent visitor footfall, and ensuring the conservation component is adequately addressed. The department is open to proposals that offer innovative and sustainable solutions.

11. Where can applicants find more information or seek clarification?

All updates, instructions, and contact details are available on the Tamil Nadu government’s official e-tender portal. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the portal regularly for announcements and clarifications.