PATNA: Nitish government seems to be pushing for generating popular interest in science in general and astronomy in particular, which is expected to create scientific outlook among people, specially schoolchildren and youths.
The government is contemplating to upgrade the device used at Indira Gandhi Science and Planetarium Centre (IGSPC) here this year and set up two other planetariums at Gaya and Darbhanga in the near future.
“Yes, Bihar State Council of Science and Technology (BSCST) has already planned to upgrade the existing Indira Gandhi Science Planetarium in Patna. We also have a plan to establish two other planetariums, though not as large as the one in Patna. They would be at Gaya and Darbhanga,” said BSCST project director S A Mintu on Thursday.
IGSPC, Patna, which became operative in 1993 and has since been attracting visitors in large numbers, is based on the projection of astronomical phenomena through “astro-vision device” for observation in a dome-shaped ceiling that simulates the starry skyline. The device used for projection of the astronomical phenomena, however, has become obsolete. Accordingly, as Mintu said, a new device, called Laser Digital Device (LDD), would be installed.
He also said that Beltron was last year asked to make a detailed project for upgrading IGSPC. The project prepared was estimated to cost Rs 25 crore. Now, the estimate has been revised to Rs 30 crore. Besides, the DMs of Darbhanga and Gaya have been asked to provide around three acres of land each in the district town to facilitate preparation of project estimates and starting of construction work in right earnest. “Request letters have been sent to the DMs of the two districts,” Mintu said, adding “once land is acquired and made available to us, work on the project would start.”
He added, “The upgraded IGSPC here and the two other planetariums would serve as definite pull centres for tourists. Already, people of all age groups, including women, children and youths, are making use of the planetarium in Patna. In the long run, these will certainly create a scientific outlook in the next generation, commensurate with 21st century.”