• Rs. 9.7 crore project first proposed in 2022; cost now escalates to Rs. 12.26 crore
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lay foundation stone later today

Kushalnagar: Madikeri, often referred to as the Scotland of India, is on the brink of witnessing a ground-breaking development with the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium.

The Department of Science and Technology is spearheading this endeavour, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 12.26 crore. The foundation stone for this significant project will be laid today (Jan. 25) by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at 4 pm.

Situated amidst 3 acres of pristine land in Karnangeri village, Madikeri, the facility is poised to boast an 8-metre dome dedicated to constructing the planetarium. Minister of Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, N.S. Boseraju, who is also the Kodagu District Minister, underscored Madikeri’s unique advantage of minimal light disturbance at night, making it an ideal location for observing stars and planets.

In a press release, Boseraju emphasised the Department’s commitment to promoting science and technology, fostering scientific education, nurturing rational thinking, and enhancing awareness about astronomy. The initiative is geared towards establishing science centres and planetariums across district centres in the State.

With its unpolluted skies and negligible light interference, Kodagu district provides an exceptional environment for stargazing. Minister Boseraju drew parallels between Kodagu and other picturesque locations such as Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, Run of Kutch in Gujarat, Nile Island in Andaman and Nicobar, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

The sub-regional science centre and planetarium project aim to kindle interest in space exploration and offer valuable educational opportunities to students in the district.

Proposed in 2022

The Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium was proposed for the first time in 2022 and the then Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Sathish had secured approval from the BJP Government and the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTPS).

The project was estimated to be established with Rs. 9.7 crore. While Rs. 4 crore was approved for the Science Centre, Rs. 5.7 crore was reserved for the mini Planetarium. Now the cost has been escalated to Rs. 12.26 crore.

The construction was to adhere to environment-friendly practices and the buildings were proposed to be designed to harmonise with the geographical and weather conditions of Kodagu district. The Science Centre was proposed to have an outdoor area specifically designed for children, providing them with a hands-on learning experience through scientific experiments.