3D Planetarium First of Its Kind in India to be inaugurated in Jan – Minister Seetharam

3D Planetarium First of Its Kind in India to be inaugurated in Jan – Minister Seetharam

Mangaluru: “MLA of South Constituency J R Lobo has shown keen interest to have the 3D Planetarium at Pilikula and has been trying hard for the past 7 years. Because of his hard work, efforts and dedication, the first of its kind in the country 3D Planetarium will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the end of January, 2018″, said the Minister for Planning, Statistics, Science, and Technology M R Seetharam in a press meet held at the DC office here on December 21.

Addressing the mediapersons Minister Sitharam said, “To construct the 3D Planetarium the government has spent Rs 35.6 crore and there is a shortfall of Rs 40 to 50 lakh. It is a unique project and a first in the state and country and Mangaluru is the first city to get such 3D Planetarium. In the world, Singapore, Shangai-China, Richmond-USA, Analog-Korea, Calgary-Canada, Bristol-UK, Hamberg-Germany, Tokyo-Japan, and Lodz-Poland have 3D digital Planetariums. We are proud to have a 3D digital Planetarium in Mangaluru because it is a first in our country. By constructing the 3D digital Planetarium Mangaluru can be recognized as a city of international standards”.

Addressing the mediapersons MLA J R Lobo said, “The 18-meter diameter projection dome is of Nanoseam process, spitz changed this approach by making every Panel flush with its neighbours Instead of overlapping Panels one atop another, every inch of the projection surface is completely uniform, scams completely disappear under projection conditions. This adds depth and realism to the projection. When we discussed the project with the experts, they suggested constructing an Opto Mechanical and 3D digital Hybrid system, which had cost around Rs 24.5 crores. When we finalized the project the cost reached up to Rs 35.6 crore. When I discussed this with Minister Sitharam he informed the CM about it and within an hour the additional amount of Rs 10 crore was also sanctioned.”

MLA Lobo further said, “Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned to develop the road from Vamanjoor Junction to Pilikula Entrance. To develop the inner roads of Pilikula additional Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned. The Pilikula Nisargadhama will be a special tourist destination and our children will benefit by the 3D Planetarium. All the former DC’s have supported us a lot but the present DC Sasikanth Senthil has helped us in solving the sound problem of the 3D Planetarium. To attract visitors in large numbers all the basic facilities will be upgraded including a four-lane road. The 3D Planetarium will be the world’s 21st and the first in the country. 180 people at a time will be able to explore space like never before at the 3D Planetarium.”

SC Sasikanth Senthil, ADC Kumar, Director Pilikula Nisargadham Prasanna, Director of Regional Science Centre Society Dr K V Rao and others were also present.

Minister M R Seetharam Visits Pilikula