Nehru Planetarium to get a facelift

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 27

Nehru Planetarium, inaugurated in 1987, is in a pathetic condition now, but it will soon get a facelift, as MC officials are seeking inputs from residents for the same.

According to MC Additional Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, the objective to upgrade the planetarium was to attract students and children to enhance their knowledge about astronomy.

“We are planning to upgrade the Dome Projector. The cost of new Digital Planetarium projector is Rs 58.25 lakh approximately. Two other projectors, used for showing latest movies on astronomy, are outdated and will be upgraded within two weeks. For Dome Projector, we are calling companies to showcase their products,” Thori said.

The MC is also seeking ideas such as developing science lab, math lab or other labs so that students can benefit.

Currently, the civic body charges Rs 5 from adults, while there is no fee for students and children. But only a few people visit the planetarium. The MC officials also want to popularise the planetarium so that students visit on a regular basis.

Sukhdarshan Singh, a science teacher, said: “It is a positive move. Most of the students have no idea about the existence of the planetarium as it is not much popular. If the MC upgrades the planetarium, then students will definitely visit to enhance their knowledge.”