India’s First 3D Planetarium to be Inaugurated at Pilikula
Mangaluru: “To make the Pilikula Nisargadhama a tourist destination, Pilikula Nisargadhama Development Authority will soon be formed. Before forming the PNDA, discussions will be held with the cabinet members and presented in the Assembly. Once the PNDA is formed the Pilikula Nisargadhama will be identified as an International tourist destination. Those who come to Pilikula will be provided transportation”, said the Minister for Planning, Statistics, Science, and Technology M R Seetharam.
Seetharam was addressing the mediapersons at the DC office after visiting the Pilikula Nisargadhama and inspecting the construction work of the 3D Planetarium on September 12. Minister Seetharam also said that the MLA of South Constituency J R Lobo has shown keen interest to have the 3D Planetarium at Pilikula.
Minister Sitaram further said, “The construction work of the 3D Planetarium is under completion. We are proud to have a 3D digital Planetarium in Mangaluru because such a Planetarium is first in the country. By constructing the 3D digital Planetarium we can take Mangaluru to international standards. The 3D Planetarium will be inaugurated by December 2017”, he added.
Addressing the mediapersons MLA J R Lobo said, “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. The difference amount of Rs 10 crore was sanctioned immediately by Chief minister Siddaramaiah.”
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 Fisheries department has come forward to construct a Matsyalaya at Pilikula. The Pollution Control Board has sanctioned Rs 18 crore for the Urban Eco Park at Pilikula. The Heritage Village will also be developed.”
MLA Lobo also said, “To attract visitors in large numbers all the basic facilities will be upgraded. To make a four lane road from Vamanjoor Junction to the Entrance of Pilikula Nisargadhama Rs 4.95 crore has been sanctioned. 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.”
ADC Kumar, Director Pilikula Nisargadham Prasanna, Director of Regional Science Centre Society Dr K V Rao and others were also present.