Assam: Foundation stone laid for construction of Planetarium and Science Centre in Diphu

DIPHU: Minister of Science & Technology, Assam, Keshab Mahanta laid the foundation stone for a Planetarium and Science Centre here at Taralangso, Karbi People’s Hall, Karbi Anglong.

The project will be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 22.93 crore.

“In the 219 Development blocks there are as many Aryabhatta Science Centre. There was a time when the students have nowhere to venture to learn about science. So, it was decided that there will be a science centre in each district. There is a planetarium in Guwahati but no science centre. In Nalbari and Lakhimpur they are about to be completed. 18 others are being considered, of them 6 are planetariums and in 11 others have provision for science centres,” said Mahanta.

The minister said that there is no other state where there is a science centre at the district and block level.

Mahanta also said the planetarium in Diphu will be the headquarter of Aryabhatta Science Centre in the district.

Chief Executive Member, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), Tuliram Ronghang thanked the Minister for the project.

He said, “I thank Minister Keshab Mahanta for the planetarium and science centre which may be completed in a year. There was a plan to take up projects worth Rs 200 crore in Taralangso, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic it all came to a standstill.”

Joint Secretary, Science and Technology, Government of Assam, Kimnei Changsan said the Planetarium and Science Centre will be built with an estimated cost of INR 22.9 crores.