Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Sep 12: State minister for planning, statistics, science and technology M R Seetharam informed on Tuesday September 12 that the much-awaited 3D planetarium will open for public by December end.
M R Seetharam was in the city to review the progress of the 3D planetarium which is under construction at Pilikula here.
Addressing the media, Seetharam said, "The 3D planetarium at Pilikula will be the first of its kind in India, and will be a tourist spot of Dakshina Kannada. MLA J R Lobo has shown keen interest in developing Pilikula. Over the past 20 years, the government has sanctioned over Rs 400 crore for the development of Pilikula.
"The project started with an estimated budget of Rs 24.50 crore and later it was extended to Rs 35.60 crore. The new Pilikula planetarium will be unidirectional with a dome diameter of 18 meters around 200 seats. Mega star IIA optical projector from Ohira Tech Japan integrated with digistar and active stereo 3D 8K digital planetarium system from Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation, USA arrive in the city by September end," he said. The optical megastar star projector creates a beautiful, almost real star field and makes planets, the sun and moon visible with the naked eye. The 8K resolution digistar system uses five Christie Mirage projectors seamlessly blended together using E&S auto alignment and auto blending systems that will keep the imagery looking expertly aligned.
"An international conference will also be organized in which all departments will take part. We will also form Pilikula Development Authority, which will be approved during the Assembly session. I will visit Pilikula again in the month of October to review the progress of the 3D planetarium," the minister said.
MLA J R Lobo said, 'The government has sanctioned a special grant of Rs 500 crore for the road extension from Vamanjoor junction to Pilikula entrance. Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned for connecting an internal road which leads to Pilikula and Rs 7 crore to develop the surroundings of Pilikula."